The United States has opened a trade investigation into Nigeria and 59 other countries over concerns that goods made with forced labour are being imported without sufficient safeguards. The probe, announced by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), aims to examine whether trade practices in these countries create unfair conditions for American businesses.
Signed by USTR General Counsel Jennifer Thornton, the notice confirms that the investigation began on March 12, 2026, under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. The focus is on whether Nigeria and the other listed economies have failed to implement or enforce effective bans on importing products made under forced labour conditions. The notice emphasized that the investigation will look into policies, acts, and practices that may allow exploitative goods to enter global supply chains.
Nigeria joins a list of 60 economies under review, including China, India, Brazil, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the European Union. The USTR noted that while many of these countries have domestic laws against forced labour, the absence of strict import controls gives some producers an artificial cost advantage, enabling them to undercut competitors and distort international markets.
According to global estimates, forced labour remains a widespread issue. The International Labour Organisation reported that around 28 million people were subjected to forced labour worldwide in 2021, roughly 3.5 per 1,000 people. The USTR’s investigation is part of a broader effort to ensure fair trade and prevent exploitative practices from affecting American businesses and consumers.
