Nigeria could face higher tariffs on exports to the United States after American trade authorities flagged the country over forced labour related import rules.
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced the decision on Tuesday. The agency concluded investigations under Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act of 1974.
According to the USTR, Nigeria and several other economies do not adequately prohibit or enforce restrictions on goods produced with forced labour.
As a result, the agency has proposed additional duties on products from the affected economies. If the proposal takes effect, Nigeria could face an extra 12.5 per cent tariff on exports to the U.S. market.
The new duty would add to the existing tariff framework. Consequently, the total tariff on Nigerian exports could rise to 27.5 per cent.
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said some trading partners continue to allow imports linked to forced labour. He argued that the practice places American workers and businesses at a disadvantage.
The USTR listed Nigeria among 54 economies that neither prohibit nor effectively police imports connected to forced labour. The agency said such gaps weaken global efforts to eliminate exploitative labour practices.
Furthermore, the USTR argued that weak enforcement creates unfair advantages for firms that ignore labour standards and produce goods at lower costs.
The findings extend beyond Nigeria. The report also names countries such as China, India, South Korea, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Brazil and the United Kingdom.
Meanwhile, the agency said Canada, Mexico, Indonesia, Pakistan, Ecuador and the European Union have forced labour import restrictions. However, it believes those economies do not enforce the rules effectively.
The USTR launched the investigations in March 2026. Investigators reviewed testimony from nearly 60 witnesses and examined about 500 written submissions before reaching their conclusions.
Although the proposal remains under review, the outcome could affect Nigeria’s access to the U.S. market and influence future trade relations.
