Nigeria’s exports to China surge 80% to $2.3 billion in H1 2026

Nigeria's exports to China saw an impressive 80% increase, totaling $2.3 billion in the first half of 2026. This surge was attributed to China's expanded zero-tariff policy for African nations and growing demand for Nigerian commodities. The announcement was made by the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, at an international seminar in Abuja.

Yu emphasized the deepening trade relationship between the two countries, noting that Nigeria-China bilateral trade had reached $18 billion in the same period, marking a 35% year-on-year growth. However, Nigeria still faced a trade deficit with China, as bilateral trade expanded at a faster pace than exports. The ambassador highlighted that both nations were broadening cooperation in various areas, including trade facilitation, investment protection, local processing, and industrial development.

China's zero-tariff policy, announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping in June 2025, eliminated tariffs on 100% of tariff lines for all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties to Beijing. This policy significantly reduced export costs for Nigerian producers, making products like sesame, cattle bone granules, and liquefied propane more competitive in the Chinese market.

Despite China being Nigeria's largest trading partner in the first quarter of 2026, with bilateral trade valued at N5.68 trillion, the trade deficit persisted due to imports from China outweighing Nigerian exports.