Over 70% of Nigerian Shipments to the U.S. Rejected Due to Trump’s Tariff Policy

Since the implementation of Donald Trump’s new tariff policy on April 2, 2025, over 70% of shipments from Nigeria to the United States have either been rejected or placed on hold. This disruption, revealed by Ini Daniel, the Chief Commercial Officer of AAJ Express Logistics Limited, has significantly impacted the flow of goods between the two nations. The new regulations, particularly targeting African exports, have caused substantial delays and complications for shippers and importers in the U.S. market.

The tariff enforcement has created chaos for exporters, with cargo and courier companies facing severe issues with U.S. clearance procedures. According to Daniel, airlines have been forced to offer discounts or even return shipments for free due to the confusion surrounding the new regulations. Exporters are struggling to navigate these challenges, as U.S. officials have not provided clear guidelines regarding the rejections, leaving them in a state of uncertainty.

While Nigerian exporters are among the most affected, the impact is not limited to Nigeria. Exporters from China, European countries, and other African nations are facing similar difficulties with U.S. tariff enforcement. The uncertainty has led some experts to advise Nigerian exporters to suspend shipments temporarily until clearer instructions are provided by U.S. Customs.

Amid this turmoil, exporters are anxiously awaiting more clarity on U.S. demand and hope for a resolution that would allow smoother trading operations. As the situation remains unresolved, stakeholders in the logistics and export sectors are under increasing pressure to adapt to these unforeseen trade barriers.

Source: Leadership