The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has criticized Nigeria’s continued ban on 25 categories of imported goods, stating that the policy poses a significant barrier to American businesses seeking market access in Nigeria.
In a statement posted on its official X handle, the USTR said, “These policies create significant trade barriers that lead to lost revenue for U.S. businesses looking to expand in the Nigerian market.”
The criticism comes shortly after former President Donald Trump introduced a 14% tariff on Nigerian goods entering the U.S., a move widely seen as part of a broader global trade reshuffling.
Nigeria first implemented the import ban in 2016, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign products and encourage domestic production. The restricted items include poultry, pork, refined vegetable oil, sugar, cocoa products, spaghetti, beer, fruit juices, certain medicaments, and alcoholic beverages.
The USTR noted that the bans affect key U.S. export sectors—particularly agriculture, pharmaceuticals, beverages, and consumer goods—leading to reduced trade opportunities and economic loss for American exporters.
In a related development, the Nigerian Federal Government announced on March 26, 2025, its intention to ban the importation of solar panels. The move is part of a new policy to promote local manufacturing in the clean energy sector and reduce dependence on imported renewable energy technologies.
While Nigerian authorities defend the bans as part of long-term efforts to boost self-sufficiency and industrial growth, critics argue that they create friction in international trade relations and limit consumer choice.
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