UK grants duty-free or reduced tariffs on over 3,000 Nigerian products, including cocoa and cashew

The United Kingdom has announced that more than 3,000 Nigerian products, notably cocoa and cashew, are now eligible to enter its market either duty-free or at reduced tariffs, Senior Trade official Mark Smithson confirmed on July 4, 2025.

This new benefit is part of the UK's Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), launched in June 2023, which replaces the Generalised Scheme of Preferences. The scheme is open to Nigeria and 36 other African nations, offering 99% of Nigerian exports—by value—either tariff-free access or significantly reduced duties.

Key beneficiaries include agricultural staples like cocoa butter and paste, sesame, cotton, prawns, plantain, tomatoes, as well as cashew nuts, and cotton textiles, enabling Nigeria to enhance value-added exports.

British High Commissioner Dr Richard Montgomery emphasized that the move reflects the UK’s long-term commitment to strengthening its economic partnership with Nigeria. He highlighted complementary efforts through the UK–Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP), aimed at removing export barriers.