The United States has criticized Nigeria’s continued ban on a wide range of imported goods, describing the move as a major trade barrier that stifles American exports and deepens economic tensions between both countries.
In a recent announcement, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) listed Nigeria’s import restrictions among the top 10 unfair trade practices faced by American exporters globally.
The ban, which affects 25 product categories, includes key U.S. export interests such as beef, poultry, pork, pharmaceuticals, fruit juice, and alcoholic beverages.
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“These policies create significant trade barriers that lead to lost revenue for U.S. businesses looking to expand in the Nigerian market,” the USTR stated in a post on its official X (formerly Twitter) account.
The criticism forms part of a broader campaign launched by the USTR to highlight what it calls unfair trade policies around the world.
The initiative, which the agency says is in honour of President Joe Biden’s “historic trade action,” aims to spotlight trade challenges American companies face abroad.
Nigeria joins a list of countries including India, Thailand, Kenya, Algeria, and the European Union that the U.S. accuses of maintaining restrictive policies that collectively block billions of dollars in potential American exports.
The impact on U.S. businesses, particularly in agriculture, healthcare, and consumer goods, is significant.
The USTR emphasized that Nigeria’s ban directly affects U.S. exporters of agricultural products like meat and poultry, as well as processed goods such as fruit juice and spirits.
Pharmaceuticals and medicaments are also on the list, reducing access for American healthcare companies seeking to enter or expand in Nigeria.
“These policies not only reduce export opportunities but also undercut the global competitiveness of U.S. industries,” the USTR added.
Other countries also came under fire during the USTR’s campaign as
Algeria’s restrictions on generic pharmaceutical products and medical devices were described as “significant barriers,” while Kenya was called out for imposing a 50% tariff on U.S. corn and burdensome regulatory hurdles that effectively shut American corn exporters out of the $50 million market.
India and Thailand were also spotlighted for banning or restricting U.S. fuel ethanol imports, a policy the USTR said could be costing American exporters over $400 million in potential annual revenue.
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For Nigeria, the friction comes at a time when the country is seeking to bolster local production and reduce reliance on foreign imports amid economic pressures, including foreign exchange shortages and inflation.
However, critics argue that such bans may be protectionist and could ultimately harm consumers and international relations.
Trade experts say the growing tensions could further strain U.S.-Nigeria trade relations, particularly if retaliatory measures or diplomatic pushback follows.
“The broader implication is that American exporters are being locked out of high-growth markets, and that’s a concern for U.S. trade policy going forward,” USTR noted.
