The United States has expressed concerns over Nigeria’s import ban on 25 specific items, stating that it limits access to the Nigerian market for American exporters. This new development follows President Donald Trump’s decision to impose significant tariffs on goods entering the US, with Nigeria’s exports facing a 14% tariff.
The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) raised these issues in a social media post on Monday, noting that Nigeria’s restrictions on certain products negatively impact U.S. businesses, especially those in industries like agriculture, pharmaceuticals, beverages, and consumer goods.
The items affected by Nigeria’s import ban include key products such as beef, pork, poultry, fruit juices, medicaments, and alcoholic beverages. The USTR pointed out that these limitations lead to significant trade barriers, which in turn result in lost revenue for American exporters trying to tap into the Nigerian market.
Nigeria first introduced the import ban in 2016 as part of efforts to control and reduce the country’s import dependency. Among the 25 items banned from importation were live or frozen poultry, pork, beef, bird eggs, refined vegetable oil, fruit juices, beer and non-alcoholic beverages, and various consumer goods such as soaps and detergents.
The Nigerian government has also announced plans to halt the importation of solar panels by 2025 to encourage local production and support the country’s transition to clean energy.
In response to these tariff challenges, Nigeria’s Finance Minister Wale Edun commented that the government would be reviewing the effects of the ongoing global tariff situation on the country. Edun noted that while Nigeria’s oil exports remain unaffected by U.S. tariffs, the country still faces a 14% tariff on non-oil exports to the U.S. He highlighted that this tariff rate, though impactful, is still less than the 46% rate imposed on Vietnam.
Additionally, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, expressed concerns about the 14% tariff. She said the new tariff regime could negatively affect Nigeria’s non-oil exports, particularly in sectors such as agriculture and value-added products, which are important to the country’s economic diversification plans. Oduwole also pointed out that smaller businesses, particularly those relying on exemptions from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), would be significantly impacted by the increased costs.
