The United States has imposed a 12.5 per cent tariff on imports from Nigeria under a new trade policy targeting countries it says have failed to effectively prohibit the importation of goods produced through forced labour. The measure forms part of a broader package affecting 60 trading partners.
The United States has announced a 12.5 per cent tariff on imports from Nigeria as part of a sweeping new trade policy aimed at countries Washington says have not adequately enforced bans on goods produced with forced labour.
The policy, unveiled by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, affects 60 trading partners and is based on the findings of a U.S. trade investigation into countries’ compliance with international labour standards. The new tariffs replace an earlier temporary tariff regime that expired this week.
Nigeria Among Countries Facing Higher Tariffs
According to the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), Nigeria falls into the category of countries deemed to have insufficiently prohibited or enforced restrictions on imports linked to forced labour.
Under the new framework, countries judged to have stronger enforcement mechanisms face a 10 per cent tariff, while Nigeria and several others are subject to the higher 12.5 per cent rate. Certain products—including oil, gas, fertilisers and goods already covered by national security tariffs—are exempt from the measure.
Part of Broader Trump Trade Agenda
The tariff forms part of President Trump’s broader trade strategy, which the administration says is intended to protect American workers and discourage global supply chains linked to forced labour.
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said countries that fail to effectively prevent the importation of goods made with forced labour create unfair competition for American businesses and workers.
Potential Impact on Nigerian Exports
Trade analysts say the new tariff could affect Nigerian exports to the U.S., particularly non-oil products seeking greater access to the American market.
Nigeria had previously been identified by U.S. authorities during the consultation phase of the policy, giving Abuja notice that higher tariffs could follow if concerns over forced labour enforcement were not addressed.
The Federal Government had earlier indicated it would continue engaging with U.S. authorities and international trade institutions over the issue.
The latest measure follows months of consultations after the USTR proposed additional tariffs on countries it believed had inadequate safeguards against forced labour in supply chains.
The tariffs are being implemented under Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act of 1974, following legal challenges that invalidated an earlier tariff framework.