By Ebiere KeKeboro
The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has criticized Nigeria’s import ban on 25 categories of goods, claiming that the restrictions limit market access for American exporters.
This criticism comes on the heels of President Donald Trump’s introduction of tariffs on goods entering the US, with Nigeria facing a 14% duty.
The USTR highlighted the impact of Nigeria’s import ban on various sectors, particularly agriculture, pharmaceuticals, beverages, and consumer goods. Restricted items include beef, pork, poultry, fruit juices, medicaments, and alcoholic beverages, which the US sees as significant barriers to trade. “Nigeria’s import ban on 25 different product categories impacts U.S. exporters, particularly in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, beverages, and consumer goods,” the USTR stated.
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The agency argues that these limitations reduce export opportunities for US businesses and lead to lost revenue. “Restrictions on items like beef, pork, poultry, fruit juices, medicaments, and spirits limit U.S. market access and reduce export opportunities,” the USTR noted. These policies create significant trade barriers that lead to lost revenue for US businesses looking to expand in the Nigerian market.
Nigeria implemented the ban on these 25 items in 2016 as part of efforts to control imports and stimulate local production. Some of the banned items include poultry, pork, refined vegetable oil, sugar, cocoa products, spaghetti, beer, and certain medicines.
In a related development, the Federal Government announced plans to halt solar panel imports to encourage local manufacturing as part of its push for clean energy on March 26, 2025. This move is seen as part of Nigeria’s efforts to boost domestic production and reduce reliance on imports.
Nigeria’s Economic Management Team (EMT), chaired by the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, plays a crucial role in the country’s economic governance structure.
The EMT has established an Emergency Taskforce (EET) to formulate and implement a consolidated emergency economic plan, focusing on key sectors such as agriculture, energy, and support to businesses.