Nigeria’s exports to China have seen a massive boost in 2026.
According to data from the Chinese Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria, Chinese imports from Nigeria reached approximately $2.25 billion in the first half of 2026, representing an 81 percent increase year-on-year compared to the same period in 2025.
The surge follows China’s new zero-tariff policy which came into effect on May 1, 2026. Under the policy, China extended zero-tariff treatment across all tariff lines to products originating from Nigeria and 52 other African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations.
The impact was immediate. Chinese imports from Nigeria reached $360 million in May, up 44% year-on-year, and rose further to $440 million in June, up 42%.
Total bilateral trade between China and Nigeria reached $17.4 billion in the first six months of 2026, a 35% increase year-on-year. For context, bilateral trade exceeded $28 billion in 2025.
Speaking at the 2026 Nigeria International New Energy and Power Industry Expo in Lagos, the Consul General of China in Lagos, Yan Yuqing, said the policy was already producing visible results and demonstrated the potential to expand market access for Nigerian products.
The initiative is part of China’s broader strategy under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Action Plan for 2025–2027 and coincides with the start of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan.
The Federal Government says the concession is an opportunity to shift from raw commodity exports to value-added agricultural, mineral and manufactured products like processed cassava, hibiscus, cashew, and soybean.
SOURCE:
BusinessDay NG / Chinese Embassy in Nigeria / Vanguard News
