Nigeria's exports to China surge 80% to $2.3 billion in H1 2026
By Aboki Forex —
Nigeria's exports to China jumped 80% to $2.3 billion in the first half of 2026, helped by China's expanded zero-tariff policy for African countries and rising demand for Nigerian commodities. The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, disclosed this at an international seminar on China's Zero-Tariff Measures and Africa's Economic Structural Transformation, organised by the Centre for China Studies (CCS) in Abuja on Friday.
Zero-tariff policy drives export growth
Yu said Nigeria-China bilateral trade reached $18 billion in H1 2026, a 35% year-on-year increase, with imports from China still outweighing Nigeria's exports. He noted that the strongest export growth came after the zero-tariff policy took effect on May 1.
"Chinese imports from Nigeria surged 80% to $2.3 billion, with monthly growth exceeding 40% in both May and June," Yu said.
The ambassador added that both countries are expanding cooperation in trade facilitation, investment protection, local processing, and industrial development. He encouraged Nigerian businesses to increase value addition and meet Chinese market standards.
In June 2025, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced that China would eliminate tariffs on 100% of tariff lines for all 53 African countries with diplomatic relations with Beijing. The policy expanded an earlier arrangement that granted duty-free access only to least-developed African countries and took effect on May 1, 2026.
According to Yu, the policy has contributed to an estimated 6% increase in overall African exports to China, while China-Africa trade hit a record $207 billion in H1 2026. He said tariff removal reduced export costs for Nigerian producers, with savings recorded on products such as sesame, cattle bone granules, and liquefied propane, making Nigerian exports more competitive.
Trade deficit persists
Despite the strong export performance, Nigeria still runs a large trade deficit with China. China remained Nigeria's largest trading partner in Q1 2026, with total bilateral trade at N5.68 trillion. Imports from China stood at N5.10 trillion, while Nigeria's exports to China were N582.20 billion, leaving a N4.51 trillion deficit.
Total trade moderated from N6.20 trillion in Q4 2025 but stayed above the N4.96 trillion recorded in Q1 2025, reflecting sustained commercial ties.
In 2025, total trade between Nigeria and China was N22.57 trillion, with China accounting for about 15% of Nigeria's total trade. Nigeria exported N2.78 trillion worth of goods while importing N19.79 trillion, resulting in a trade deficit of N17.01 trillion.
Nigeria's imports from China are dominated by tractors, telecommunications equipment, motorcycles, solar panels, PVC, veneer sheets, and agricultural machinery. Exports to China remain largely concentrated in primary commodities such as sesame seeds, tin ores, natural rubber, goat leather, malt, and other mineral substances.
What it means for Nigeria
The export surge shows Nigeria is benefiting from improved access to the Chinese market, but the trade imbalance remains heavily tilted in China's favour. Beyond trade, the Chinese government recently announced a ¥200 million grant, about N40.32 billion, to support development projects agreed upon by both governments, signalling broader cooperation in infrastructure, economic development, and investment.