The world grapples with the reality of Trump’s tariff policies, and at the heart of this daunting reality are women, who are often the most vulnerable to economic shocks.
Donald Trump’s new tariff policies, tagged “The Universal Baseline Tariffs,” have sent shockwaves through the global trade landscape, and Nigeria is not immune to the impact.
The policies, framed as a protectionist measure to boost American manufacturing and reduce dependence on imports, could have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria’s economy and women, specifically.
Before the imposition, Nigeria had a 27% tariff on all American exports. To retaliate, Trump imposed a 14% tariff on all Nigerian exports. Although Trump announced a 90-day pause on the tariffs, here’s a picture of what will happen after the pause is lifted.
The ripple effect on Nigeria’s economy
Although Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, is not the direct target of U.S. tariffs, the secondary effects could be significant. Data obtained from The Observatory of Economic Complexity shows that in January 2025, the United States exported $214M and imported $357M from Nigeria. With the new tariffs aimed at limiting imports into the U.S, there would be lower demand for Nigerian imports.
Nigeria relies heavily on oil exports, which account for about 90% of its export revenue, and the U.S. is one of Nigeria’s biggest buyers. With the new tariffs, the oil demand reduces, pushing prices downward. This would worsen Nigeria’s already fragile fiscal situation.
Additionally, a global trade slowdown could strengthen the U.S. dollar and devalue Nigeria’s naira. This could exacerbate inflation, further squeezing consumers. Nigerian manufacturers, who rely on Chinese raw materials and machinery, may also face higher costs, affecting their ability to source affordable industrial inputs.
How Trump’s tariffs affect Nigerian women
Nigerian women make up a significant portion of the country’s workforce and are more likely to bear the brunt of the economic impact. Women in Nigeria are often employed in the informal sector, which is highly vulnerable to economic shocks. A decline in economic activity could lead to job losses and reduced incomes, affecting women’s ability to provide for their families.
Trump’s stringent tariffs on China will also have far-reaching consequences for Nigerian women who rely on imported commodities like clothes, hair, and shoes for their businesses or personal use. The tariffs will raise the prices of imported goods, making them more costly for Nigerian women.
This rise in costs can be particularly challenging for women who sell these commodities, as they may struggle to maintain profit margins or be forced to pass the increased costs on to their customers.
Furthermore, the increased cost of living resulting from higher import prices could disproportionately affect women, who are often responsible for managing household expenses. This may reduce access to essential goods and services, exacerbating existing gender disparities.
Nigeria’s Trade, Industry and Investment Minister explains the way forward
Nigeria’s Trade, Industry and Investment Minister Jumoke Oduwole explained that the development strengthened Nigeria’s resolve to boost its non-oil exports and improve market acceptance into more economies across the globe.
To mitigate the impact of Trump’s tariff policies, she highlighted that the Federal Government will not retaliate against the US. “We don’t want retaliation, and then we end up being collateral damage or facing unintended consequences,” she said.
Furthermore, she reveals that the government will strengthen its trade relationships with other African countries, particularly through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). “We have looked at that demographic and identified the AfCFTA because it speaks to women-led businesses, youth-led businesses and formalising the informal sector.”
Despite the looming uncertainties, Oduwole reaffirmed the government’s dedication to proactive economic planning and implementation.
