The United States has imposed a 12.5% tariff on imports from Nigeria as part of a new trade measures targeting countries its says have failed to effectively prohibit the importation of goods produced with forced labour.

The new tariffs, announced by the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR), follow investigations conducted under Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974.

The measures affect 60 major US trading partners, with countries deemed to have stronger restrictions against forced-labour imports receiving a lower 10% tariff, while Nigeria and several others face the higher 12.5% rate.

According to the USTR, Nigeria did not qualify for the lower tariff category because it was not among the countries considered to have established or committed to enforcing adequate restrictions on imports linked to forced labour.

The investigations, launched in March 2026, included consultations with more than 45 governments, public hearings and over 1,600 written submission before the final decision was reached.

The additional tariffs will apply to most imports from the affected countries, although exemptions covers items such as informational materials, humanitarian donations, accompanied baggage, some raw materials and products already subject to certain US tariffs.

Seventeen economies, including Canada, India, Mexico, Malaysia, Pakistan, the United Kingdom and Argentina, qualified for the lower 10% tariff rate, while Nigeria joins countries such as China, South Africa, Brazil, Australia and Saudi Arabia is facing the 12.5% duty.

US officials say the measure is aimed at encouraging stronger enforcement of laws against forced labour in global supply chains.

The tariff cover most imports into the United States, although some products, including oil, gas, fertilizers and certain food items, are exempt.

The move has drawn criticism from several affected countries, which argue the measure is unjustified.

-9News Nigeria.