Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have introduced a 0.5% levy on imported goods from member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), including Nigeria.
The new tariff policy, announced by authorities in the three Sahel nations, is seen as part of their ongoing economic realignment following their withdrawal from ECOWAS earlier this year.
The levy applies to a wide range of goods entering their markets from regional trade partners.
While officials from the breakaway states have yet to provide detailed implementation guidelines, analysts suggest the move could impact trade flows between these countries and their ECOWAS counterparts, particularly Nigeria, which has historically been a key trading partner.
This development comes amid strained relations between Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and ECOWAS, following political tensions and military takeovers in the three nations.
The regional bloc had previously imposed sanctions on them, which were later lifted in an attempt to restore diplomatic ties.
However, authorities in the three countries argue that the measure is necessary to strengthen their economic sovereignty.
