The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has strongly criticized Nigeria’s import restrictions on 25 categories of goods, stating that the policies create trade barriers and limit market access for American exporters.
The USTR made this known on Monday via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, stressing that the import ban adversely affects key sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, beverages, and consumer goods.
According to the USTR, the ban impacts the export of products such as beef, pork, poultry, fruit juices, medications, and alcoholic beverages, resulting in lost revenue for U.S. businesses targeting the Nigerian market.
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“Nigeria’s import ban on 25 product categories impacts U.S. exporters, particularly in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, beverages, and consumer goods. These restrictions reduce export opportunities and create significant trade barriers,” the agency stated.
The criticism comes shortly after President Donald Trump introduced new tariffs on goods entering the U.S., with Nigerian products reportedly facing up to 14% duty.
Nigeria initially imposed the ban in 2016, citing the need to control imports, conserve foreign exchange, and boost local production. Items banned include poultry, pork, refined vegetable oil, sugar, cocoa products, spaghetti, beer, and various pharmaceuticals.
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In a related move, the Federal Government of Nigeria, on March 26, 2025, announced plans to halt solar panel imports, as part of a broader push to encourage local manufacturing and promote clean energy initiatives.
While the Nigerian government defends the policy as a strategy to grow domestic industries, the U.S. views it as a protectionist approach that stifles international trade and hinders American business interests in Africa’s largest economy.
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