The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has criticized Nigeria’s import restrictions on 25 categories of goods, saying the policy hampers market access for American exporters.
This development follows the recent introduction of a 14% duty by President Donald Trump on goods entering the US, including those from Nigeria.
The USTR, in a statement posted on its X handle, raised concerns about the implications of such import ban on several sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, beverages, and consumer goods.
“Nigeria’s import ban on 25 different product categories impacts U.S. exporters, particularly in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, beverages, and consumer goods. Restrictions on items like beef, pork, poultry, fruit juices, medicaments, and spirits limit U.S. market access and reduce export opportunities,” the agency stated.
“These policies create significant trade barriers that lead to lost revenue for U.S. businesses looking to expand in the Nigerian market,” it added.
Nigeria introduced the ban in 2016, aiming to curb imports and boost local production. The restricted items include poultry, pork, refined vegetable oil, sugar, cocoa products, spaghetti, beer, and certain medicines.
In a further move to promote domestic manufacturing, the Federal Government on March 26, 2025, also announced plans to stop the importation of solar panels as part of its clean energy strategy.
