The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has formally criticized Nigeria’s prohibition on 25 categories of imported goods, warning the policy unfairly blocks American products and exacerbates global trade tensions. In a newly released report, the USTR identified Nigeria’s restrictions—affecting beef, poultry, fruit juices, pharmaceuticals, and alcoholic beverages—among the world’s most damaging trade barriers to U.S. commercial interests.
The trade office estimates these Nigerian import bans have cost American businesses significant market access in Africa’s largest economy. The policies were highlighted alongside other contentious measures by India, Thailand, Kenya, and the European Union that collectively prevent billions in potential U.S. exports annually.
“These protectionist policies create artificial trade barriers that directly impact American farmers, distillers, and pharmaceutical manufacturers seeking growth opportunities in Nigeria,” stated the USTR in its assessment. The report specifically noted how Chinese manufacturers have exploited the Nigerian market void, with U.S. flag producers alone losing $2 million monthly to Chinese competitors.
The critique emerges as the Biden administration adopts an increasingly assertive trade stance, mirroring elements of former President Trump’s protectionist agenda. U.S. officials argue such import restrictions violate principles of fair competition while Nigeria maintains the policies are necessary to boost domestic production under its “Made in Nigeria” industrialization push.
Trade analysts suggest the public censure could precede formal WTO challenges or affect ongoing negotiations for a potential U.S.-Nigeria trade agreement. The Nigerian government has yet to respond to the latest USTR allegations, which come amid already strained economic relations following President Trump’s recent tariff threats against African exporters.
