European Trade Policy and Its Influence on Kano’s Leather Export Industry

This research investigates the impact of European trade policy, particularly the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) framework, on the leather and tanning industry centred in Kano State, North-West Nigeria. Kano has historically been a major hub for leather production and export to European markets, and recent shifts in EU import standards and tariff structures have introduced new dynamics into this longstanding trade relationship. The study adopts a descriptive survey approach, combining structured interviews with leather exporters and traders at the Kano Tannery complex with an analysis of EU-Nigeria trade statistics from 2019 to 2024. The objective is to determine how EU sanitary and quality standards have affected export volumes, profit margins, and business adaptation strategies among small and medium-scale leather enterprises. Secondary sources, including EU trade bulletins and Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) publications, are used to contextualise the empirical findings. Preliminary indications suggest that while the EPA has opened some market access channels, compliance requirements related to chemical treatment of hides have posed significant challenges for artisan-level tanners in Kano. The study concludes by recommending capacity-building partnerships between EU trade offices and Nigerian standards bodies to bridge the compliance gap. Findings contribute to debates on the asymmetric effects of European trade liberalisation on developing-country export sectors. Keywords: European trade policy, EPA, Kano, leather industry, export compliance.