US Imposes 12.5% Tariff on Nigerian Imports Over Forced Labour Concerns

The United States has imposed a 12.5 percent tariff on imports from Nigeria as part of a new trade measure targeting countries that have not effectively prohibited the importation of goods produced with forced labour.

The decision was announced on Thursday by the Office of the United States Trade Representative following investigations conducted under Section 301 of the Trade Act.

According to the USTR, Nigeria is among 60 economies found not to have adequately enforced bans on imports linked to forced labour. As a result, products imported from Nigeria into the United States will attract a 12.5 percent tariff, except for items covered under specific exemptions.

Countries including India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico and the United Kingdom will face a lower 10 percent tariff after implementing or committing to enforce restrictions on goods produced with forced labour.

The investigations, launched in May 2026, covered 60 of the United States’ largest trading partners. The USTR said it received more than 1,600 public submissions, heard testimony from over 100 witnesses and consulted more than 45 governments before reaching its decision.

A Federal Register notice stated that the tariff on Nigerian products was approved after considering public comments, evidence presented during the investigation and recommendations from advisory committees.

The notice said the tariff rate and the scope of exemptions were designed to address trade practices identified during the investigation.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the measure is intended to encourage trading partners to strengthen efforts against forced labour in global supply chains.

The USTR said exemptions will apply to selected products, including certain raw materials that could create domestic supply shortages, goods that may cause wider economic disruption, products not available in sufficient quantities within the United States or from alternative sources, and selected goods from countries that have adopted or pledged to implement forced labour import bans.

The agency also said additional exemptions were granted for products where tariffs were considered unlikely to eliminate the trade practices under investigation.