The United States has strongly criticized Nigeria’s decision to ban 25 categories of imported products, arguing that the policy is a significant trade barrier that negatively impacts American businesses. In a recent statement, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) listed Nigeria’s restrictions—covering items such as beef, poultry, fruit juice, pharmaceuticals, and alcoholic spirits—among the top ten most unfair trade practices imposed by foreign nations.
“These policies create significant trade barriers that lead to lost revenue for U.S. businesses looking to expand in the Nigerian market,” the USTR noted in a post shared via its official X (formerly Twitter) account.
The criticism was part of a broader USTR report released in support of President Joe Biden’s (POTUS) trade enforcement initiatives. The report highlighted similar trade policies in several countries, including India, Thailand, Kenya, and members of the European Union, all of which, according to the USTR, collectively obstruct billions of dollars in potential U.S. exports.
Specifically, India and Thailand were faulted for their restrictions on American ethanol, while Kenya was called out for imposing a 50% tariff on U.S. corn imports. The report also spotlighted China’s dominance in the production of American flags, noting that over 100,000 Chinese-made U.S. flags are sold monthly on a single e-commerce platform—resulting in an estimated $2 million in lost sales for American manufacturers.
The USTR warned that these policies not only harm U.S. businesses but also contribute to broader economic challenges, such as job losses and factory shutdowns. The report underscores the Biden administration’s growing commitment to protecting domestic industries and enforcing fair trade rules amid rising global trade tensions.
