Trump says Nigeria would pay an extra 10% in tariffs for joining the BRICS.
Nigeria would be subject to an additional 10% tariff, according to President Donald Trump, for supporting what he called the “anti-American policies of BRICS.”
Global trade relations are now even more unpredictable after the U.S. president made the announcement on Sunday in a post on Truth Social.
Trump made the announcement as the BRICS gathering was in progress in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and he did not go into detail about any particular BRICS policy. Nigeria was formally admitted as a partner nation of the organization by the Brazilian government on January 17, 2025.
Nigeria joined Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan as the ninth BRICS partner nation. The 16th BRICS Summit, which took place in Kazan in October 2024, established this partner-country category.
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In a joint statement on Sunday, the leaders of the group seemed to criticize Trump’s broad tariff policy, cautioning against “unjustified unilateral protectionist measures, including the indiscriminate increase of reciprocal tariffs.”
The leaders expressed “serious concerns about the rise of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures which distort trade and are inconsistent with WTO rules,” but they did not specifically mention the United States. Expressing concern that the “proliferation of trade-restrictive actions” poses a threat to upend the world economy and exacerbate already-existing economic inequality.
“An additional 10% tariff will be applied to any country that supports the BRICS’ anti-American agenda. Trump stated in a post on Truth Social on Sunday night that there would be no exceptions to this policy.
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President Tinubu reiterates his dedication to the BRICS alliance.
Nigeria’s commitment to the Global South and the BRICS relationship was reiterated by President Bola Tinubu during the summit.
According to President Tinubu’s statement, which was signed by his spokeswoman Bayo Onanuga, “Nigeria, therefore, associates with what I have heard today and all that has happened in BRICS.” Financial restructuring and a reassessment of the global structure are the next concerns.
He pointed out that global healthcare disparities, climate change, and environmental degradation were all issues that were relevant to Africa.
He went on to say, “Africa suffers the most but has contributed the least to global emissions.”
To fully benefit from numerous programs, President Tinubu emphasized the need for a new path of justice that is based on fairness, sustainable technology transfer, and accessible funding.
Through the Great Green Wall and the African Carbon Market Initiative, the continent of Africa is paving the way. We think that COP-30 will make us more determined to take a calculated approach to creating a safe and healthy environment for all.
“South-South collaboration is something that Nigeria firmly believes in. Therefore, we cannot take a passive role in international decisions pertaining to healthcare, environmental issues, debt forgiveness, financial restructuring, and climate change. Since young people make up 70% of Nigeria’s population, we must design a future that takes into account their unique demands and concerns. As a result, Nigeria continues to be governed by its nationally determined contribution, 2050, and long-term goal.
“To promote nature-based solutions, mainstream climate action, accelerate the adoption of renewable energy, strengthen urban resilience, champion South-South cooperation, align with the global renewal framework, and achieve universal health coverage for all, we are taking bold steps,” the president said.
Addressing non-communicable diseases must continue to be a shared health concern, President Tinubu has stated.
“We think the BRICS should not only be a bloc for emerging economies, but also a beacon for emerging solutions and resolutions rooted in solidarity, self-reliance, sustainability, and shared prosperity of a common future as we approach COP-30 and look to strengthen the global health system.
“Nigeria reiterates its dedication to strategic cooperation that results in inclusive and sustainable development for everybody,” he said.
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Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran are all members of the BRICS alliance. “A political and diplomatic coordination forum for countries from the Global South and for coordination in the most diverse areas,” is how the group defines itself.
Enhancing economic, political, and social cooperation among its members as well as “increasing the influence of Global South countries in international governance” are among the objectives of BRICS.
According to the Trump administration, tariffs on nations that have not reached a deal with the United States will go into effect on August 1 rather than July 9. The announcement was made in April.
Trump declared in April that the high tariffs he had imposed on the majority of trading partners just days before would be suspended for 90 days. Investors and U.S. trading partners are worried as that halt is set to end on Wednesday.
