Processed foods, leather present export opportunity in U.S. Diaspora market, says analyst

Processed foods, natural personal care items, leather goods and selected agro-processed inputs have been identified as Nigerian products with realistic export potential under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) before 2026 deadline

Trade and development policy analyst, Fakunle Aremu, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recently.

“The window is short, so exporters must focus on products that can meet U.S. standards quickly and be supplied consistently,” Aremu said.

He said Nigeria should prioritise products with existing production capacity, clear U.S. demand and compliance requirements achievable within six to twelve months.

According to him, processed and packaged food products offer Nigeria the strongest near-term opportunity due to steady demand in the United States, particularly among diaspora communities.

“Food products already have market acceptance, but exporters must get labelling, traceability and food safety right,” he said.

He listed spices, flours, grains, snacks, sauces and shelf-stable ethnic foods as products with strong short-term prospects under AGOA.

Aremu also identified natural personal care and beauty products, including shea-based items, plant oils, soaps and haircare formulations, as viable exports.

“The global shift toward natural and ethical products works in Nigeria’s favour, but compliance and branding discipline are non-negotiable,” he said.

On leather goods, Aremu said finished and semi-finished products such as belts, bags, wallets and footwear accessories were more competitive than raw hides.

He noted that quality finishing, standardisation, clear country-of-origin labelling and reliable delivery timelines were critical to gaining U.S. market trust.

The analyst also said handcrafted home décor and lifestyle products could access niche U.S. markets through boutique retail outlets and online platforms.

He added that uniform dimensions, safe materials, durable packaging and honest product descriptions were essential for competitiveness.

Aremu further said Nigeria could gain more value by exporting semi-processed agricultural inputs such as cleaned seeds, processed nuts and cocoa derivatives.

“These products integrate easily into U.S. supply chains and face fewer branding barriers,” he said.

He advised exporters to conduct compliance gap assessments, upgrade packaging and documentation, secure repeatable pilot orders and engage logistics partners familiar with U.S. trade.

Aremu said heavy manufacturing, complex electronics and highly regulated pharmaceuticals were unlikely to succeed before 2026 due to capital intensity and lengthy compliance processes.

The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) grants eligible African countries duty-free access to the U.S. market and is currently scheduled to expire on Dec. 31, 2026.

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