Trump's Tariff Shockwave: How U.S. Trade Policy Is Reshaping Africa's Oil and Gas Landscape

When U.S. President Donald Trump returned to the political stage, few expected that his trademark protectionist stance would once again send tremors through global markets.

- By Gilbert Da Costa

Yet, in an era of shifting geopolitical alliances and intensifying competition for energy dominance, his latest round of tariffs—targeting oil and gas imports from what he calls “non-compliant” or “dirty” economies—has dealt a blow to Africa’s energy-exporting nations. The continent, long reliant on hydrocarbon exports for fiscal stability, is now facing a sobering new reality.

The Tariff Bombshell

Trump’s new policy introduces steep tariffs on crude oil and gas imports from several African countries, citing environmental and national security concerns. While details vary by country, Nigeria—the continent’s largest oil producer—faces a 14% levy, while Algeria, Angola, and others are slapped with tariffs ranging from 12% to 30%. These measures, couched in the rhetoric of “American energy independence,” effectively reduce African oil’s competitiveness in the U.S. market, Africa’s longstanding customer for sweet crude.

This sudden shift is poised to disrupt long-established trade flows and erode export revenues at a time when many African economies are still reeling from the aftermath of COVID-19, currency volatility, and global energy transition pressures.

Which Countries Are Most at Risk?

Nigeria

As Africa’s top oil exporter, Nigeria is particularly exposed. Oil accounts for more than 90% of the country’s export earnings and about 50% of government revenue. The U.S. was once Nigeria’s largest oil customer.