In the ever-evolving theatre of global trade, policy decisions taken in Washington can ripple across the globe—from Wall Street to the markets of Lagos, Kano, and Port Harcourt. President Donald Trump’s return to office has brought a renewed wave of protectionist fervour, marked by an expanded tariff regime that reflects his “America First” worldview. While global attention has largely focused on the United States, China, and the European Union, it is imperative that countries such as Nigeria respond not with reactive diplomacy but with a deliberate, forward-looking strategy grounded in domestic economic reform and long-term competitiveness.