US Govt Protests Import Bans on 25 Products by Nigerian Govt, Shares Lists
- The US government has criticised the Nigerian government's continued ban on the importation of 25 products
- Nigeria was listed among 10 countries with "unfair trade practices," citing various bans on US exports
- Restrictions by India, China, the EU, and others are said to cost US businesses billions in lost revenue
Legit.ng journalist Dave Ibemere has over a decade of business journalism experience with in-depth knowledge of the Nigerian economy, stocks, and general market trends.
The United States Trade Representative (USTR), an agency of the United States government, has slammed Nigeria for imposing an import ban on 25 product categories.
The USTR raised concerns that the restrictions were hurting US exporters and undermining trade relations.
Source: Getty Images
In a post shared on X, the USTR listed Nigeria’s import policy among the top 10 unfair trade practices by foreign governments.
The latest move was part of President Donald Trump's scrutiny of trade relations between the country and the world.
The USTR argued that such restrictions denied US companies access to a growing consumer base in Africa’s largest economy.
The post read:
"Nigeria's import ban on 25 different product categories impacts U.S. exporters, particularly in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, beverages, and consumer goods.
"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 US businesses looking to expand in the Nigerian market."
Nigeria-US trade balance
Nigeria's decision to promote local products by banning the import of certain foreign goods has affected its trade relationship with the United States.
Data from the US International Trade Commission shows that Nigeria’s imports from the US in February 2025 were $286.3 million, down from $423.6 million in February 2024—a 32.4% drop.
Overall, Nigeria’s imports from the US dropped from $951.6 million in 2024 to $643.1 million in 2025.
Total trade between the US and Nigeria in the first two months of 2025 reached $1.33 billion.
In January, the US had a $143 million trade deficit with Nigeria, but this changed to a $187 million surplus in February.
Nigeria’s exports to the US rose from $214 million in January to $474 million in February, a 121.5% increase. However, the overall yearly export value fell by 19.9% to $687 million.
Crude oil remains Nigeria’s biggest export to the US. In the first two months of 2025, crude oil made up 64.31% of US imports from Nigeria, valued at $413.6 million.
Oil imports dropped from 3.5 million barrels in January to 1.8 million barrels in February, causing a decline in monthly import value.
Other countries scrutinised by the US
Other countries mentioned by the US agency include India, Thailand, Kenya, Angola, Algeria, and the European Union.
The US government said the countries have created trade barriers that collectively stifle billions of dollars in US exports.
India was singled out for banning US ethanol imports, while Kenya’s 50% tariff on American corn and the EU’s new environmental rules were flagged as measures that disadvantage American producers.
In Africa, Angola also drew Washington’s anger for announcing it would restrict import licenses for poultry and meat products starting in July 2025.
Source: UGC
Algeria's restrictions on generic pharmaceutical products and medical devices create significant barriers for US exporters.
The USTR noted Angola is currently the largest African market for US poultry and warned that the planned restriction could have significant commercial consequences.
Part of the statement read:
"In 2024, US poultry exports to Angola were valued at $136 million. Angola is the 9th largest market for US poultry exports globally and the largest market for U.S. poultry on the African continent.
"These new trade restrictions will significantly impact American farmers and ranchers."
President Trump's tariff
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that US President Donald Trump on Monday, April 7, 2025, threatened new tariffs of 50% on China, ratcheting up a trade war even as a dramatic selloff in global markets gathered pace.
Trump upended the world economy last week with sweeping tariffs that have raised fears of an international recession and triggered criticism even from within his own Republican Party.
The US president on Monday chastised China for not heeding "my warning for abusing countries not to retaliate".
This article has been updated by head of business desk, Victor Enengedi, with additional information.
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Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
Dave Ibemere (Senior Business Editor) Dave Ibemere is a senior business editor at Legit.ng. He is a financial journalist with over a decade of experience in print and online media. He also holds a Master's degree from the University of Lagos. He is a member of the African Academy for Open-Source Investigation (AAOSI), the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and other media think tank groups. He previously worked with The Guardian, BusinessDay, and headed the business desk at Ripples Nigeria. Email: dave.ibemere@corp.legit.ng.
James Ojo (Copyeditor) James Ojo is a copy editor at Legit.ng. He is an award-winning journalist with a speciality in investigative journalism. He is a fellow of Nigeria Health Watch Prevent Epidemics Journalism Fellowship (2023), WSCIJ Collaborative Media Project (2022), ICIR Health Reporting (2022), YouthHubAfrica’s Basic Education Media Fellowship (2022), Countering the Fake News Epidemic (MacArthur Foundation) 2021, and Tiger Eye Foundation Fellowship. Email: james.ojo@corp.legit.ng
