Nigeria and a group of other economies face potential higher US tariffs linked to forced-labour allegations in supply chains. According to reports, the United States is moving toward applying a 12.5% tariff to exports from countries that are not meeting expectations on restricting forced-labour goods. Vanguard states that Nigeria and seven other African countries are at risk of the 12.5% tariff, while The Punch reports that Nigeria is among about 60 economies facing the same threat.
The Punch further notes a higher possible rate: if the tariff escalates, duties could rise to 27.5% for affected countries, based on alleged failures to enforce bans on forced-labour goods. Across the accounts, the central issue is compliance—whether governments are effectively curbing forced labour in production and trade inputs that enter US-linked supply chains.
The reports describe the tariff as a potential measure rather than a confirmed final rate for all exporters, and they frame it as contingent on the US assessment of forced-labour enforcement and controls in the relevant countries.
