U.S. Imposes 12.5% Tariff on Nigerian Exports

The United States has imposed a new 12.5% tariff on products imported from Nigeria, effective July 24, 2026, after determining that Nigeria failed to establish and enforce a ban on the importation of goods produced with forced labor. This decision was announced by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) following a Section 301 investigation into the trade practices of 60 economies, including Nigeria.

The USTR found Nigeria among 54 economies that did not effectively enforce a prohibition on such imports. The investigation, launched in March 2026, included over 1,600 public comments and testimony from more than 100 witnesses.

Countries that enacted and enforced forced labor import bans would face a lower tariff rate of 10%. Exemptions to the new tariff include informational materials and certain items that could disrupt U.S. supply chains.

The U.S. government noted that several other countries had introduced forced labor import prohibitions during the investigation.