Washington, United States – The United States Trade Representative opened a trade investigation into Nigeria and 59 other economies on March 12, 2026. The probe targets failures to block imports of goods made with forced labor. Nigeria, West Africa’s largest economy, faces review alongside China, India, and the European Union.
The Office of the United States Trade Representative cited Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. It claims weak import rules create unfair competition for American firms. Goods like agriculture, textiles, and minerals often link to forced labor risks.
Okay News reports the core concern from the notice. It stated, “The Trade Representative is initiating investigations with respect to acts, policies, and practices of the economies listed in Annex A of this notice related to the failure to impose and effectively enforce a prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labour.” U.S. law bans such goods for nearly 100 years on humanitarian grounds.
Global data shows 28 million people in forced labor as of 2021, per the International Labour Organisation. Private sector profits from it hit $63.9 billion yearly. Weak oversight lets these products flood other markets.
Public hearings start April 28, 2026, in Washington, DC. Comments due by April 15 via the USTR portal. Businesses and unions can submit evidence on export impacts.
Tariffs or import curbs may follow if violations found. Nigeria must address supply chain gaps. The review could reshape trade ties and enforcement.
