United States President, Donald Trump, has sparked a global trade crisis by imposing sweeping tariffs on imports into the U.S., with Nigeria among the hardest hit.
Declaring a “national economic emergency,” Trump announced a blanket 10% tariff on all foreign goods. However, 60 countries labeled “worst offenders” by his administration will face even higher levies.
Nigeria has been hit with a 27% tariff, while South Africa faces a massive 60% levy on exports to the U.S. The new measures, set to take effect on April 5, signal a major shift in global trade policies.
Speaking from the White House Rose Garden, Trump described the move as “Liberation Day” for American industry, calling it the start of the country’s “economic rebirth.”
“Today marks the day America was made wealthy again,” he declared to loud applause. “For too long, we have been taken advantage of. Now, it’s our turn to prosper.”
Trump assured Americans that the tariffs would bring back jobs and manufacturing to the U.S., vowing to open foreign markets while curbing the influx of foreign goods into American stores.
As part of the policy, a 25% tariff will be imposed on all foreign-made vehicles, targeting manufacturers in Japan, South Korea, and Germany. Trump criticized countries that restrict U.S. exports while enjoying easy access to the American market.
“We take their cars, they refuse ours. That ends today,” he stated, citing statistics that over 80% of South Korean cars are sold domestically, while U.S. automakers struggle to gain a foothold abroad.
Agricultural trade was also in focus, with Trump accusing Canada, Mexico, and Australia of imposing high tariffs on U.S. dairy and beef while blocking American poultry and rice.
“They won’t take our beef. They don’t want our rice. But they expect us to open our markets? Those days are over,” he said.
Displaying a chart titled “Reciprocal Tariffs,” Trump pointed out trade disparities, including a 10% tariff on UK imports and a 20% tax on EU goods.
“They charge us, we charge them. How can anybody be upset?” he quipped.
Despite concerns over global trade disruptions, Trump remained resolute.
“The days of America being the world’s piggy bank are over. It’s time we took care of our own people,” he declared.
