Tariff tensions rise as Nigeria, U.S. brace for global trade shakeup
The United States has faulted Nigeria’s continued ban on the importation of 25 product categories, describing the policy as a significant barrier to trade and a blow to American exporters.
In a statement posted on X on Monday, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) said the restrictions were impeding access to the Nigerian market, especially in sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, beverages, and consumer goods.
“Nigeria’s import ban on 25 different product categories impacts U.S. exporters, particularly in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, beverages, and consumer goods,” the USTR stated. “Restrictions on items like beef, pork, poultry, fruit juices, medicaments, and spirits limit U.S. market access and reduce export opportunities.”
According to the agency, the policy creates “significant trade barriers” that result in lost revenue for U.S. companies looking to expand in Africa’s largest economy.
The import ban, first introduced in 2016, includes a wide range of products such as poultry, pork, beef, bird eggs, vegetable oil, sugar, cocoa products, spaghetti, noodles, fruit juices, water, beer, bagged cement, medicaments, used tyres, soaps, and plastic sanitary wares.
Adding to the rising tension, the U.S. recently imposed sweeping tariffs on imported goods, with Nigerian exports facing a 14 per cent tariff under the new regime announced by President Donald Trump.
Reacting to the development, Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, said the Federal Government was evaluating the global tariff landscape and its potential implications for Nigeria’s economy.
“For the economic management team of Mr. President, we are going to the drawing board to look at the scenarios that may play out if the current tariff situation is prolonged,” Edun stated. “Although our oil exports are unaffected, our non-oil products now attract a 14 per cent tariff in the U.S. Still, we are better off than countries like Vietnam, which faces a 46 per cent tariff.”
Edun noted that Nigeria could attract global manufacturers seeking alternative production hubs, especially as rising tariffs hit Asian exporters.
Echoing similar concerns, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, warned that the new tariffs pose risks to Nigeria’s non-oil export sector, particularly smaller businesses that previously benefited from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
“A significant portion of Nigeria’s exports—over 90 per cent—comprises crude petroleum and gas products,” Oduwole said. “However, our non-oil exports, many of which were previously exempt, now face new tariffs that could disrupt access to the U.S. market.”
She noted that agricultural exports like live plants, flour, and nuts account for less than two per cent of Nigeria’s total exports to the U.S., but SMEs dependent on these markets may face rising costs and unstable demand.
Oduwole added that the development reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to improving export standards and boosting the competitiveness of non-oil products in global markets.
Meanwhile, Nigeria is also considering a ban on the importation of solar panels, aiming to encourage local manufacturing and accelerate the country’s transition to clean energy.
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