U.S cuts Nigerian imports by 41% amid growing tariff dispute

Nigeria’s trade ties with the United States have come under renewed strain after U.S. imports of Nigerian goods plunged by 41 per cent within a month, deepening concerns over the country’s access to one of its most important export markets.

Fresh data from the U.S. Census Bureau and Bureau of Economic Analysis show that American imports from Nigeria dropped sharply from $639 million in June 2025 to $379 million in July.

Over the same period, U.S. exports to Nigeria also fell, sliding from $919 million to $584 million.

Despite the decline, Washington maintained a trade surplus with Nigeria, though reduced to $206 million in July compared to $280 million in June.

Between January and July 2025, the U.S. exported $3.92 billion worth of goods to Nigeria and imported $3.14 billion, leaving it with a cumulative trade surplus of $781 million.

The sharp reversal comes at a time when U.S. trade with Africa overall is expanding.

Imports from the continent rose from $3.67 billion in June to $4.47 billion in July, while exports dipped slightly, leaving the U.S. with a wider trade deficit of $1.17 billion.

Country-level figures show the U.S. posted a $557 million surplus with Egypt in July but ran a $1.42 billion deficit with South Africa, largely due to mineral and automobile imports.

Washington’s deficit with South Africa has already reached $7.74 billion this year.

Nigeria’s setback is linked to President Donald Trump’s renewed tariff measures under his “reciprocal tariff” policy.

In late July, Trump signed an executive order raising tariffs on Nigerian exports from 14 per cent in April to 15 per cent, targeting countries with trade surpluses against the U.S.

Although crude oil — Nigeria’s biggest export — remains partly exempt, uncertainty over enforcement has discouraged import demand, particularly for agricultural products, leather, and manufactured goods.

Analysts say the policy is part of Washington’s push to protect domestic industries and curb trade imbalances, but for Nigeria, it signals shrinking opportunities in a critical market.

The report further noted that America’s global trade deficit widened to $78.3 billion in July, up from $59.1 billion in June, driven by a surge in imports from Asia and Europe.

Total imports hit $358.8 billion, while exports rose modestly to $280.5 billion.