US, Nigeria seek to strengthen ties amid tariff dispute
The United States Deputy Secretary of State, Christopher Landau, has held a phone conversation with Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar.
The discussion, which took place on Friday, focused on a range of issues, including the enhancement of commercial ties, improving security, and furthering the bilateral relationship between the two nations.
“Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau spoke today with Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar. The call highlighted the United States’ commitment to a strong and enduring partnership with Nigeria.
“Deputy Secretary Landau and Foreign Minister Tuggar discussed several key areas of mutual interest, including strengthening commercial ties, enhancing security, and deepening the bilateral relationship,” the spokesperson for the Deputy Secretary, Tammy Bruce, said in a statement.
The conversation took place amid a shift in US-Nigeria trade relations, following President Donald Trump’s announcement that exports from Nigeria to the US will now be subject to a 14 percent tariff.
The decision, made public during a “Make America Wealthy Again” event in the Rose Garden on Wednesday, was part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to rebalance global trade and address what it perceives as unfair trade practices.
The US government cited an ongoing trade imbalance, pointing out that Nigeria imposes a 27 percent tariff on US exports, which it claimed has been disadvantageous to American businesses.
In response, the US decided to impose a new tariff on Nigerian exports, arguing that it is necessary to address the imbalance.
In his remarks, President Trump framed the tariff as a key part of a larger initiative aimed at protecting American industries.
He emphasised the need for foreign nations to follow what he described as “fair” trade practices.
