U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a 90-day suspension of reciprocal tariffs on 60 countries, including Nigeria, as part of a temporary shift in his trade policy. The suspension, however, does not apply to China, which faces even steeper trade penalties.
The policy adjustment, announced on Truth Social, took effect Wednesday and includes a reduction of tariffs to a 10% baseline across affected countries during the 90-day window.
“I have authorised a 90-day PAUSE, and a substantially lowered Reciprocal Tariff during this period, of 10 per cent, also effective immediately,” Trump posted.
Previously, the U.S. had imposed a 14% tariff on Nigerian goods, the second-highest rate among West African countries. The Nigerian government has since responded by stating it would not retaliate, but instead seek resolution through the World Trade Organization (WTO).
China Faces Harsher Penalties
While other countries benefit from a reprieve, China is facing increased tariffs. Trump raised duties on Chinese imports from 104% to 125%, effective immediately, citing continued retaliation from Beijing and its “lack of respect” for global trade norms.
“At some point, hopefully in the near future, China will realize that the days of ripping off the USA and other countries are no longer sustainable or acceptable,” he said.
China had earlier increased its retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods to 84%, following the U.S.’s previous tariff hikes — part of a trade standoff that has escalated sharply between the two nations.
Global Fallout
The tariff war has drawn reactions from around the globe. On Wednesday, the European Union approved a 25% retaliatory tariff on a wide range of American products — including cars, steel, aluminum, soybeans, orange juice, tobacco, and cosmetics. The move affects €22.1 billion worth of U.S. exports, based on 2024 EU trade data.
However, this figure is still lower than the €26 billion worth of EU metal exports hit by earlier U.S. tariffs under Trump’s policy.
President Trump has defended his tariff strategy as a necessary correction to years of what he described as unfair trade practices by U.S. partners. He has pledged further economic measures unless trading partners adjust their policies.
