Nigeria’s long-standing import ban on 25 product categories has drawn fresh criticism from the United States, which accuses Africa’s largest economy of erecting unfair barriers that hurt American exporters.
The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), in its latest annual report on foreign trade barriers, listed Nigeria among the top ten nations whose trade practices are costing U.S. companies billions in potential export revenue.
The ban, which covers a wide range of items including beef, poultry, pharmaceuticals, fruit juices, and alcoholic beverages, has been flagged by Washington as a major impediment to market access.
Register for Tekedia Mini-MBA edition 19 (Feb 9 – May 2, 2026): big discounts for early bird.
Tekedia AI in Business Masterclass opens registrations.
Join Tekedia Capital Syndicate and co-invest in great global startups.
Register for Tekedia AI Lab: From Technical Design to Deployment (next edition begins Jan 24 2026).
“Nigeria’s import ban on 25 different product categories impacts U.S. exporters, particularly in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, beverages, and consumer goods,” the USTR said in a statement shared on X.
The agency warned that these policies are cutting off key American products from the Nigerian market and hampering business growth.
“Restrictions on items like beef, pork, poultry, fruit juices, medicaments, and spirits limit U.S. market access and reduce export opportunities. These policies create significant trade barriers that lead to lost revenue for U.S. businesses looking to expand in the Nigerian market,” it said.
The criticism is part of a broader push by the U.S. to confront what it sees as anti-competitive or discriminatory trade practices globally, especially under President Donald Trump’s renewed “America First” doctrine that aims to shield domestic industries and boost American exports.
The criticism is understood to be a justification for the 14% tariff the U.S. has already placed on select Nigerian exports, except oil.
For Nigeria, this latest rebuke from Washington places added pressure on a government already grappling with a weak currency, high inflation, and a growing dependency on imports amid dwindling foreign exchange reserves. While the import bans were originally designed to encourage local production, boost forex conservation, and protect infant industries, they have also created an underground market for restricted items and led to persistent smuggling across the country’s porous borders.
Indeed, the U.S. is not alone in raising concerns. European Union officials and the World Trade Organization have repeatedly flagged Nigeria’s import restrictions as inconsistent with global trade norms.
A Wider List of Offenders
Nigeria is part of a growing list of countries singled out by the USTR for policies Washington believes harm U.S. farmers and manufacturers. India and Thailand were called out for blocking American ethanol exports, while Kenya was criticized for its 50% tariff on U.S. corn and burdensome regulatory hurdles that effectively kept the market closed.
The USTR noted that Kenya’s feed corn market is currently worth $50 million, with the potential to grow by 30% by 2027.
“Securing market access for American farmers will ensure they can compete on a level playing field,” the report said.
China was also named, particularly for undercutting American flag manufacturers, with losses estimated at $2 million in monthly sales due to cheaper Chinese imports.
Rising Tensions Amid Trump’s Trade Revival
The report underscores growing friction as the United States under Trump’s leadership returns to a protectionist posture reminiscent of his first term. Trade analysts suggest that Washington may soon begin to explore retaliatory measures if perceived trade barriers are not addressed diplomatically.
This poses a significant risk for Nigeria, especially at a time when it is trying to attract foreign direct investment and stabilize its external accounts. Trade relations with the U.S. remain vital, not only because the U.S. is a major destination for Nigerian crude oil exports, but also because American companies play a large role in the country’s energy, pharmaceuticals, and fast-moving consumer goods sectors.
Some in Abuja see the ban as a necessary protection for domestic industries still struggling to recover from years of underinvestment and an influx of cheaper imported goods. But others believe that the policy has outlived its usefulness, with little evidence that it has spurred sustainable local production.
Economic Fallout Looms
The U.S. criticism comes amid Nigeria’s economic downturn. Inflation has remained in double digits for over half a decade, and the naira has lost significant value since the forex unification policy was introduced, deepening the cost of living crisis.
Against this backdrop, the Nigerian government is facing a reckoning as American pressure mounts, leading many to conclude that it may have to revisit its protectionist trade stance. Some analysts have warned that if the U.S. moves to review existing trade concessions, such as Nigeria’s eligibility for preferential access under programs like the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), the consequences could be far-reaching.
While no official response has yet come from Nigeria’s trade or foreign ministries, pressure is likely to build in the coming weeks for the Tinubu administration to review the controversial ban. Whether it holds firm or begins to roll back restrictions could shape the next phase of U.S.-Nigeria trade relations.