US imposes 12.5% tariff on Nigerian imports over forced labour concerns

The United States has imposed a 12.5 percent tariff on Nigerian imports, citing the country's failure to ban goods made with forced labour. The Office of the United States Trade Representative announced the measure on Thursday, July 22, 2026, naming Nigeria alongside India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico and the United Kingdom; the five other countries face a rate 10 percentage points lower. USTR Jamieson Greer said the tariff follows investigations into 60 economies, two rounds of public hearings, consultations with over 45 governments and thousands of public comments, and comes after President Donald Trump revived Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 following a Supreme Court block on broader tariffs. For Nigerian exporters, the tariff raises the cost of goods shipped to the US, potentially cutting profit margins and making Nigerian products less competitive. Industries reliant on US markets—such as agriculture, textiles and solid minerals—could see reduced orders, affecting jobs and foreign-exchange earnings. The move also signals that Nigeria must enforce its forced-labour ban more rigorously to avoid further trade penalties. If you export to the US, audit your supply chain for forced-labour risks and consider certifications that satisfy US standards. Policymakers should accelerate enforcement of existing labour laws and explore diversifying export markets to lessen dependence on the US.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/07/24/us-slams-nigerian-imports-with-12-5-per-cent-tariff/