Concerns are growing among Nigerian exporters as over 70% of shipments sent by air to the United States have been rejected or delayed, following the enforcement of tariff regulations introduced under former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Ini Daniel, the Chief Commercial Officer of AAJ Express Logistics Limited, made this disclosure during a recent interview. According to a report published by Leadership Newspaper, Daniel explained that the situation has created serious disruptions for Nigerian shippers and importers dealing with the American market.
Providing insight into the issue, Daniel stated, “Nigeria’s exporters are grappling with unprecedented challenges in shipping goods to the United States following the full enforcement of Trump’s new tariff regulations on April 2nd, 2025. Reports reveal that cargo and courier companies are facing severe difficulties with clearance into the U.S., resulting in a crisis for exporters.”
He pointed out that the problem has particularly impacted the airline industry, where carriers have been compelled to offer massive discounts or even free returns as a result of the complications tied to the tariff policy’s enforcement. Daniel highlighted the exporters’ frustrations, noting the absence of clear explanations from relevant authorities.
“The turmoil has been felt acutely within the airline industry, where carriers are now forced to offer significant discounts or even free returns due to the chaos surrounding tariff enforcement. Adding to the frustration, exporters are left in a fog of confusion, as officials have not provided clear explanations for the refusals.”
He added that this predicament is not exclusive to Nigeria, as exporters from other parts of Africa, Europe, and China are experiencing similar setbacks. In light of the unfolding situation, Daniel advised Nigerian exporters to temporarily suspend shipments to the U.S. until comprehensive guidelines are issued by American customs authorities.
As uncertainty persists, affected exporters remain hopeful for timely clarification and a resolution that would enable them to restore normal trade operations with the United States.
