U.S. Launches Trade Probe into Nigeria and 59 Nations Over Forced Labour Concerns
The United States government has officially opened a trade investigation into Nigeria and 59 other countries, citing serious concerns that their trade policies may facilitate the importation of goods manufactured using forced labour. This significant move was announced in a formal notice issued by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), signed by General Counsel Jennifer Thornton.
The investigation, which formally commenced on March 12, 2026, is being conducted under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. Its primary objective is to determine whether the trade practices of the affected economies are unreasonable or discriminatory and if they impose a burden on American commerce. Specifically, the review will evaluate whether Nigeria and the other nations have failed to implement or enforce adequate measures to prevent the importation of products linked to forced labour.
Global Scope and Key Nations Involved
Nigeria finds itself on the list alongside major global players such as China, India, Brazil, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the European Union. The USTR has clarified that the investigation aims to identify gaps in import restrictions across these markets, which could create an uneven global trading environment that disadvantages American firms.
According to the agency, while many countries have domestic laws outlawing forced labour, weak oversight of imported goods means that companies might still access products made under exploitative conditions through international supply chains. The USTR emphasized that American law has long maintained a strict stance on this issue, and forced labour provides producers with an artificial cost advantage, enabling them to sell goods more cheaply and distort competition in global markets.
Alarming Statistics on Forced Labour
The agency cited global estimates highlighting the widespread nature of forced labour. Data from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) indicates that approximately 28 million people were trapped in forced labour worldwide in 2021, equivalent to roughly 3.5 out of every 1,000 individuals. The ILO also reported a troubling increase, with the number of people in forced labour rising by about 2.7 million between 2016 and 2021, largely due to exploitation within the private sector.
In financial terms, profits generated from forced labour in the global private economy were estimated at around $63.9 billion yearly as of 2024, underscoring the economic incentives driving this practice.
Next Steps and Stakeholder Involvement
Public hearings on the investigation are scheduled to begin on April 28, 2026, at the US International Trade Commission in Washington, DC, and may continue until May 1. Stakeholders who intend to participate in these hearings or submit comments must file their submissions through the USTR's electronic portal no later than April 15, 2026. This process allows for input from various parties, including businesses, advocacy groups, and governments, as the USTR moves forward with its comprehensive assessment.
