US launches trade probe into Nigeria, 59 others over forced labour concerns

By Uche Usim

The United States government has formally opened a trade investigation into Nigeria and 59 other countries over concerns that imported goods from these economies may involve forced labour. The probe, announced by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), aims to determine whether gaps in policies or enforcement create unfair competition for American businesses.

The investigation was officially initiated on March 12, 2026, under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. Signed by Jennifer Thornton, General Counsel of the USTR, the notice states that the review will examine whether the trade practices of the listed countries are “unreasonable or discriminatory” and whether they place a burden on U.S. commerce.

“The Trade Representative is initiating investigations with respect to acts, policies, and practices of the economies listed in Annex A of this notice related to the failure to impose and effectively enforce a prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labour,” the notice reads.

Nigeria appears alongside major economies including China, India, Brazil, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the European Union. The USTR said the investigation seeks to determine whether weak import restrictions in these markets allow goods produced under exploitative conditions to enter international supply chains, undermining fair competition for U.S. firms.

“For almost 100 years, U.S. law has prohibited the importation of goods mined, produced, or manufactured in whole or in part with forced labour,” the notice states, noting that the policy reflects humanitarian, foreign policy, and national security priorities.

The USTR warned that forced labour gives producers an artificial cost advantage, allowing them to sell goods more cheaply and distort global markets. International Labour Organisation (ILO) data indicate that around 28 million people were trapped in forced labour worldwide in 2021, roughly 3.5 out of every 1,000 people. Between 2016 and 2021, forced labour cases rose by 2.7 million, largely within the private sector, generating an estimated $63.9 billion in profits annually as of 2024.

The agency highlighted that forced-labour risks extend across supply chains, affecting products including agricultural commodities, textiles, minerals, seafood, and palm-oil derivatives used in food production and biofuels. Even when such goods are blocked from U.S. markets, they may circulate elsewhere and compete with American exports.

“In markets without forced labour import prohibitions, U.S. exports are required to compete with products produced wholly or in part with forced labour,” the notice said.

As part of the investigation, the USTR will consult with the governments of the affected countries while gathering input from industry groups, labour organisations, and other stakeholders. Public hearings are scheduled for April 28–May 1, 2026, at the U.S. International Trade Commission in Washington, DC, and written submissions must be filed by April 15 through the USTR electronic portal.

Following consultations and hearings, the Trade Representative will decide whether the practices identified violate Section 301 of the Trade Act. If so, the U.S. may impose trade remedies, including additional tariffs or import restrictions, on goods from the countries under review.

The probe highlights the United States’ commitment to ensuring global trade is free from exploitative labour practices and that American companies can compete on a level playing field.