Trump Slaps Nigeria, 59 Others With New Tariffs

The United States has imposed new tariffs on Nigeria and 59 other countries over allegations that they have failed to adequately prevent the importation of goods linked to forced labour practices, with the new measures introducing duties ranging from 10 per cent to 12.5 per cent on affected imports.

The tariff decision, announced by the administration of US President Donald Trump, was implemented under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, with Washington saying the action was aimed at addressing trade practices involving products allegedly connected to forced labour.

Nigeria was among the countries listed under the new trade restrictions, with Nigerian exports to the United States facing a 12.5 per cent tariff rate as part of the latest measures announced by Washington.

The affected countries include major trading partners such as China, the United Kingdom, India, Canada, Mexico, members of the European Union, and several African, Asian and Latin American nations, with the US categorising countries based on their enforcement of forced labour import bans.

Under the new arrangement, countries considered to have stronger measures against forced labour imports will face a 10 per cent tariff, while nations accused of having weaker enforcement mechanisms will attract the higher 12.5 per cent rate.

The Trump administration said the tariffs were necessary to protect American workers and businesses from unfair competition linked to products made through exploitative labour practices, while critics argued that the policy could have wider economic consequences beyond labour concerns.

The new tariffs replaced an earlier global 10 per cent duty that expired after the administration moved to introduce the latest trade measures targeting dozens of countries.

Nigeria’s inclusion on the list could affect exporters seeking access to the US market, particularly businesses involved in sectors that rely heavily on international trade, although some categories of goods, including certain energy products and other exempted items, were excluded from the tariff measures.

The latest development adds to ongoing trade tensions between Washington and several countries, with some governments and trade experts questioning the basis of the forced labour claims and warning that increased tariffs could raise costs for businesses and consumers.

The United States has not released a complete public breakdown of all affected Nigerian export categories, but the new tariff regime is expected to trigger further diplomatic engagements between Washington and affected countries as governments seek possible exemptions or adjustments.

The full list of countries affected includes Nigeria, China, the United Kingdom, India, Canada, Mexico, European Union member states and several other economies across Africa, Asia and Latin America that were identified by the US government under the new forced labour related trade measures.

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