The United States is raising serious concerns about Nigeria’s decision to ban the importation of 25 categories of goods, a move Washington says is hurting American exporters.

In a post shared on X, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) called the ban one of the top ten unfair trade practices currently affecting U.S. businesses globally.

This criticism comes as tensions continue to build over the growing number of tariffs and trade restrictions imposed by countries around the world, including the U.S. itself.

The USTR says Nigeria’s ban includes products like beef, pork, poultry, fruit juices, medicaments, and spirits, all of which are key export categories for the United States.

“Nigeria’s import ban on 25 different product categories impacts U.S. exporters, particularly in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, beverages, and consumer goods,” the USTR said.

“These policies create significant trade barriers that lead to lost revenue for U.S. businesses looking to expand in the Nigerian market,” the agency added.

Nigeria isn’t the only country being called out. The USTR’s post also pointed fingers at India, Thailand, Kenya, Angola, Algeria, and the European Union.

From ethanol bans to high tariffs and new compliance rules, these measures are seen by Washington as harmful to billions of dollars in potential U.S. exports.

For example, Kenya’s 50% tariff on American corn, India’s and Thailand’s restrictions on U.S. fuel ethanol, and the EU’s environmental standards are all highlighted as actions that give foreign producers an edge over American ones.

Angola, the U.S.’s biggest poultry customer in Africa, recently announced new import license limits on meat products starting in July 2025, another blow, according to the USTR.

The agency warned that such restrictions aren’t just about trade, they affect real people.

The ripple effects, it said, are felt by U.S. farmers, manufacturers, fishers, and pharmaceutical companies.

In some cases, those losses can even mean fewer jobs and businesses shutting down.

In another example, the USTR went after China for producing and selling American flags.

“Over 100,000 Chinese-made American flags are sold every month on just one e-commerce platform alone, resulting in $2 million in lost sales for American manufacturers, which ultimately leads to lost job opportunities and business closures. American flags should be Made in America!” the agency stated.

It also pointed out that U.S. fuel ethanol exports could bring in over $414 million each year if India and Thailand lifted their import restrictions.

This public critique of trade barriers comes at a time when the U.S. is stepping up its protectionist policies and sharpening its approach to trade negotiations.

Some trade analysts say the strategy is aimed at both shielding U.S. industries and putting pressure on global partners to open their markets more fairly.

So far, Nigeria has not officially responded to the accusations.

In the past, the country has said its import bans are meant to protect local industries and manage foreign exchange reserves.