U.S hits Nigeria, 7 African nations with 12.5% tariff over forced labour claims

By Nkiruka Nnorom

The United States has slapped Nigeria and seven other African countries with a 12.5 percent tariff on their exports to America over alleged failure to curb forced labour in supply chains.

The action, taken under Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974 by the Office of the United States Trade Representative, USTR, was part of a sweeping measure against 38 economies that the US accused of failing to impose and effectively enforce a prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labour after launching an investigation into 60 economies.

Aside from Nigeria, other African countries affected are Algeria, Angola, Egypt, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco and South Africa.

The USTR said the affected nations have not put in place or enforced measures strong enough to block goods made with forced labour from entering their markets.