Nigeria is among 60 trading partners affected by a new round of tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump.
Gatekeepers News reports that Nigerian exports to the United States is set to attract a 12.5 percent duty under a revised trade policy targeting countries accused of failing to curb imports linked to forced labour. The measure will take effect after the expiration of the temporary 10 percent global tariff regime.
The Trump administration said the tariffs, which range from 10 percent to 12.5 percent, were imposed under Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974 following a Supreme Court ruling that invalidated earlier tariffs introduced under emergency powers. Washington said the new policy is intended to pressure trading partners to strengthen enforcement against goods produced through forced labour.
According to the new tariff schedule, Nigeria is among the countries subject to the higher 12.5 percent rate, alongside several other major US trading partners. However, key imports such as crude oil, natural gas, food products, fertilisers, vehicles and aircraft are exempt from the new duties. The tariffs are expected to affect the majority of goods entering the US from the listed countries.
The decision has drawn criticism from several affected countries, which argue that the US justification is unfounded and could disrupt global trade. Despite the backlash, the Trump administration insists the tariffs are necessary to promote fair trade practices and combat forced labour in international supply chains.
