The United States has introduced a 12.5% tariff on imports from Nigeria as part of a broader trade action targeting countries accused of failing to ban goods produced with forced labour.
The measure, announced by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), applies to imports from 60 economies that Washington says have not effectively prohibited such goods. Nigeria falls into the higher 12.5% tariff category, while several other nations including India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, and the United Kingdom face a lower 10% rate due to steps they have taken or committed to take against forced labour imports.
The tariffs stem from Section 301 investigations launched by the USTR in May 2026 into the trade practices of major US partners. The agency reviewed over 1,600 public submissions, held hearings with more than 100 witnesses, and consulted dozens of governments before finalising the action.
USTR officials described the move as a necessary step
