America is adjusting its trade rules again, and this could quietly reshape how Nigerian products enter the U.S. market. For many of our exporters—especially those in agriculture and textiles—these changes may mean new requirements, tighter standards, and in some cases, fresh opportunities.
At the centre of the conversation is AGOA, the African Growth and Opportunity Act, which has long helped Nigerian goods access the U.S. with lower or zero tariffs. But as Washington reviews its trade priorities, business groups in Nigeria are becoming louder in their call: government must negotiate better, clearer, and more favourable terms.
Exporters want stability. They want to know that their shea butter, cocoa, cashew, sesame, ginger, leather goods, and textile products will not be stranded by sudden policy twists. Many small businesses also worry about stricter certification rules that could increase export costs.
This is why trade experts say Nigeria must act fast. Strengthening quality control at home, improving packaging standards, and resolving bottlenecks at the ports will help exporters adapt to any policy shift from the U.S. But beyond that, Nigeria needs strong diplomatic engagement—firm conversations that protect local businesses and open more doors.
