The U.S. Department of Commerce just released a report titled the U.S.-African Trade Profile [pdf]. One particular paragraph jumped at me (note the italicised lines):
Of the top five African destinations for U.S. products, exports to South Africa rose by
17.6 percent, to Nigeria by 47.7 percent, to Angola by 62.6 percent, to Benin by 192.4
percent (due to a large increase in the export of non-crude oil and vehicles and parts),
and to Ghana by 46.1 percent.
Of the top five African destinations for U.S. products, exports to South Africa rose by 17.6 percent, to Nigeria by 47.7 percent, to Angola by 62.6 percent, to Benin by 192.4 percent (due to a large increase in the export of non-crude oil and vehicles and parts), and to Ghana by 46.1 percent.
An increase of 192.4 percent? Of course, almost all of the vehicles and parts end up in Nigeria. To understand the consumption of certain goods in Nigeria one only has to look at the rate of importation of those goods into Benin. Especially those goods that are banned in Nigeria.
So the US aids smuggling in Africa since the list of prohibited items is used as the shopping list for Oga’s wife. Deliver to Benin but smuggle to Nigeria. Short/mid term gains for those few while long term problems for Nigeria remains incalculable. ps my 1st comment returned error & was lost.
So the US aids smuggling in Africa since the list of prohibited items is used as the shopping list for Oga’s wife. Deliver to Benin but smuggle to Nigeria. Short/mid term gains for those few while long term problems for Nigeria remains incalculable. ps my 1st comment returned error & was lost.