US forced‑labour tariffs on Nigeria

On 25 July 2026 the United States announced new Section 301 duties that add a 12.5 % surcharge on imports from Nigeria, Egypt and South Africa judged not to have effective bans on forced‑ or child‑labour products. Nigeria and South Africa received the higher rate, while Indonesia was hit with a 10 % duty. The measures exempted sectors already covered by specific duties, notably petroleum, which makes up the bulk of Nigeria’s exports to the United States.

Two days later, analysts assessed the likely impact on Nigeria. Because more than 80 % of Nigeria’s U.S. trade consists of crude oil and related petroleum products that are exempt, the tariff is expected to affect only a small share of the export basket. With the United States accounting for about 5.6 % of Nigeria’s total merchandise exports, the overall effect on export earnings and the macro‑economy is projected to be modest, though non‑oil exporters may face tighter price competition.