From Isaac Samuel
The Federal Government has expressed concern over the newly imposed 14 per cent tariff by US President Donald Trump on Nigerian exports, warning that the move could severely disrupt longstanding bilateral trade relations between both countries.
The government said the tariff imposed could disrupt trade relations and affect the competitiveness of Nigerian products in the US market.
Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, in a statement Sunday said the policy would undermine the competitiveness of Nigerian goods, especially in sectors reliant on market access and price competitiveness.
According to the minister, Nigeria’s exports to the United States have averaged $5–6 billion annually in the last two years.
The minister noted that smaller businesses, particularly SMEs, that rely on the African Growth and Opportunity Act exemptions would feel the brunt of the new tariff, with rising costs and uncertain buyer commitments likely to make market access even more difficult.
Oduwole said, “A significant portion (of Nigeria’s exports) — over 90 per cent — comprises crude petroleum, mineral fuels, oils, and gas products. The second-largest export category, accounting for approximately 2–3 per cent, includes fertilizers and urea, followed by lead, representing around 1 per cent of total exports (valued at approx $82 million).
“Nigeria also exports smaller quantities of agricultural products such as live plants, flour, and nuts, which account for less than 2 per cent of our total exports to the U.S.
“While oil has long dominated Nigeria’s exports to the US, non-oil products—many previously exempt under AGOA—now face potential disruption.
“A new 10 per cent tariff on key categories may impact the competitiveness of Nigerian goods in the U.S. For businesses in the non-oil sector, these measures present destabilising challenges to price competitiveness and market access, especially in emerging and value-added sectors vital to our diversification agenda.”
,“This development strengthens Nigeria’s resolve to boost its non-oil exports by strengthening quality assurance, control, and traceability in Nigerian exports to meet global standards and improve market acceptance into more economies across the globe.”
