Since the full enforcement of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s new tariff policy on April 2, 2025, more than 70 percent of shipments from Nigeria to the United States via airports have either been refused entry or placed on hold, causing severe disruption for exporters.
The Chief Commercial Officer of AAJ Express Logistics Limited said Nigerian shippers and importers are now facing major delays and confusion due to the tariff enforcement. He noted that courier and cargo companies are struggling to clear goods into the U.S., sparking what he described as a growing crisis for Nigeria’s exporters.
Airline carriers, he explained, have been forced to offer large discounts or even free return of goods, as shipments continue to be rejected without clear explanations from U.S. officials. Exporters are left in the dark, uncertain about what specific aspects of the new policy are triggering the rejections.
While Nigeria is facing the brunt of the disruption, the situation is not exclusive to the country. Exporters from China, several African countries, and parts of Europe have also encountered similar setbacks due to the policy.
Given the current uncertainty, AAJ Express is advising Nigerian exporters to temporarily suspend shipments to the U.S. until clearer guidelines emerge from U.S. Customs. Exporters are now hoping for swift clarification and a pathway to resume trade without fear of rejection or costly delays.
