Lagos, Nigeria – The United States Trade Representative voiced strong opposition on Monday to Nigeria’s ban on 25 categories of imported goods, contending that this action has led to the imposition of a 14% tariff on Nigerian exports to the U.S.
The USTR expressed worries that Nigeria’s prolonged import restrictions disadvantage American exporters, particularly in crucial sectors like agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods. In a recent statement, the USTR highlighted the severe effects these restrictions could have on trade.
Nigeria’s Customs Services recently published a list encompassing numerous American exports affected by the ban. Items such as beef, pork, poultry, fruit juices, pharmaceuticals, and alcoholic beverages are included, raising alarms over potential trade friction. The USTR described these barriers as detrimental, arguing they obstruct access to Nigeria’s burgeoning consumer market.
“Nigeria’s import ban on 25 different product categories impacts U.S. exporters, particularly in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, beverages, and consumer goods,” the USTR stated in a post on social media. “These policies create significant trade barriers that lead to lost revenue for U.S. businesses looking to expand in the Nigerian market.”
This import ban reportedly initiated in 2016 as part of Nigeria’s agenda to boost local production and control imports. Besides the already mentioned products, the banned list also incorporates refined vegetable oil, sugar, and certain medications.
In response to the trade restrictions, the United States implemented the 14% tariff, prompting fears in Nigeria about possible trade disruptions. “This new tariff could ripple through our economy and hamper local businesses that rely on exports to the U.S.,” remarked Wale Edun, Nigeria’s Minister of Finance.
Statistics from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative reveal that total goods trade between the U.S. and Nigeria reached $9 billion in 2024, with U.S. exports increasing by 61.4% to $4.2 billion, marking a $1.6 billion increase compared to 2023. Conversely, Nigerian exports to the U.S. saw a minor increase of 0.1% to $5.7 billion.
This trade relationship highlights the growing potential for U.S. exports to Nigeria, though the current tensions bring uncertainty to their future. The U.S. government, under the Trump administration, has recently enacted stringent tariffs against various nations in a bid to rectify perceived trade imbalances.
As tensions flare, global reactions are emerging, with other countries, including China, indicating possible retaliatory measures against U.S. tariffs. “If the situation escalates, it could lead to broader regional pushback against U.S. trade policies in Africa,” analysts warned.
Nigeria’s recent economic maneuvers aim to offset the adverse effects of these tariffs. Minister Edun confirmed that the Economic Management Team will convene to evaluate how to ameliorate the situation for Nigerian exporters, especially emphasizing the need to enhance oil production and bolster non-oil revenue streams.
