In a significant turn of events, Nigeria’s exporters are grappling with unprecedented challenges in shipping goods to the United States following the full enforcement of Trump’s new tariff regulations on April 2, 2025. Reports reveal that cargo and courier companies are facing severe difficulties with clearance into the US, resulting in a crisis for exporters.
Since the implementation of these tariffs, more than 70 per cent of shipments sent from Nigeria to the US via airport have either been refused entry or placed on hold. This alarming trend has caused substantial delays, creating immense challenges for shippers and importers operating in the US market.
The turmoil has been felt acutely within the airline industry, where carriers are now forced to offer significant discounts or even free returns due to the chaos surrounding tariff enforcement. Adding to the frustration, exporters are left in a fog of confusion, as officials have not provided clear explanations for the refusals.
This dilemma is not unique to Nigeria; exporters from various European nations, China, and other African countries are similarly affected by the new regulations. In light of the current circumstances, industry experts are advising Nigerian exporters to temporarily suspend shipments to the US until clearer guidelines are established by US Customs.
With uncertainty hanging in the air, exporters are anxiously awaiting clarity on demand and hope for a resolution that will allow them to resume smooth trading operations with the US.
Ini Daniel, Chief Commercial Officer, AAJ Express Logistics Limited, writes from Lagos
