West African nations, including those within the ECOWAS bloc, are facing significant challenges due to new trade tariffs imposed by the United States under President Donald Trump’s administration. The tariffs, which range from 14 percent to as high as 99 percent, are part of an effort to rebuild the U.S. economy after the economic setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and growing national debt.

The 10 percent baseline tariff on all imports into the U.S. has put a strain on ECOWAS member states, who rely on trade with the U.S. for various exports. This move is expected to have wide-reaching effects on the region’s economies.