Nigeria’s Exports to China Jump 81% to $2.25bn After Zero-Tariff Policy

Nigeria’s exports to China rose by 81 per cent to $2.25 billion in the first half of 2026, according to newly released trade data.

The increase followed China’s implementation of a zero-tariff policy on eligible imports from Nigeria and other developing countries, a move aimed at strengthening trade relations and increasing market access for products from the Global South.

The latest figures highlight a significant expansion in Nigeria-China trade, with Nigerian exporters recording stronger sales to the Chinese market during the first six months of the year.

Data from Chinese customs authorities showed that the value of Chinese imports from Nigeria increased from about $1.24 billion in the first half of 2025 to approximately $2.25 billion between January and June 2026.

The development represents an increase of about $1 billion within one year.

### Zero-tariff policy boosts market access

China introduced zero-tariff treatment for products imported from several developing countries as part of efforts to deepen economic cooperation with the Global South.

For Nigerian exporters, the policy reduces the tariff burden on qualifying products entering the Chinese market and potentially makes them more competitive against products from countries that do not enjoy similar preferential treatment.

The policy is particularly significant for Nigeria because of the country's large agricultural and natural-resource base.

Products including agricultural commodities, minerals and other raw materials are among the categories with potential to benefit from improved access to the Chinese market.

The removal or reduction of tariffs can lower the cost of Nigerian products for Chinese buyers and potentially encourage greater demand.

### Nigeria seeks to reduce trade imbalance

The increase in exports is also important because Nigeria has traditionally imported considerably more from China than it exports to the Asian economic giant.

China remains one of Nigeria's biggest trading partners, supplying machinery, electronics, vehicles, industrial equipment, textiles and other manufactured goods to the Nigerian market.

For years, Nigerian policymakers have sought to increase the country's exports to China in order to narrow the trade imbalance.

The latest figures suggest that Nigerian exporters may be beginning to take greater advantage of opportunities in the Chinese market.

However, the increase in exports does not necessarily mean that the trade imbalance has been eliminated.

Nigeria continues to import large volumes of manufactured goods and machinery from China, meaning the overall balance of trade depends on both export and import values.

### China remains major trading partner

Economic ties between Nigeria and China have expanded significantly over the past two decades.

Chinese companies have become increasingly involved in Nigeria's infrastructure, manufacturing, telecommunications, transportation and construction sectors.

At the same time, Nigerian businesses have sought greater access to Chinese consumers and industrial buyers.

The zero-tariff arrangement is therefore being viewed as an opportunity to deepen the commercial relationship beyond the traditional focus on Chinese exports to Nigeria.

For Nigerian exporters, one of the major challenges will be ensuring that domestic production can consistently meet Chinese demand.

Higher export volumes require adequate production capacity, quality control, logistics, certification and reliable transportation infrastructure.

### Agriculture could benefit

Agriculture is one sector expected to have significant opportunities under the improved trade arrangement.

Nigeria produces commodities including sesame, cocoa, cashew, ginger, hibiscus and other agricultural products that have demand in international markets.

Greater access to China could provide Nigerian farmers and exporters with a larger market for such products.

However, exporters still need to meet China's quality, sanitary and phytosanitary requirements before products can enter the market.

Industry experts have repeatedly stressed that Nigeria must improve processing and packaging if it wants to capture more value from its exports.

Rather than exporting mainly raw commodities, increased local processing could allow Nigerian businesses to earn more from each shipment and create additional jobs domestically.

### Government welcomes stronger export performance

The latest figures are likely to strengthen the Federal Government's argument that its efforts to expand Nigeria's export base are beginning to yield results.

The administration of President Bola Tinubu has repeatedly said it wants to reduce Nigeria's dependence on oil and increase non-oil exports.

Officials have also encouraged Nigerian businesses to explore emerging international markets while taking advantage of trade agreements and preferential tariff arrangements.

The sharp rise in exports to China could therefore support the government's broader diversification strategy.

Nevertheless, sustaining the increase will require more than favourable tariff treatment.

Nigeria will need to maintain adequate production, improve port and logistics infrastructure, ensure product standards and provide exporters with reliable access to foreign exchange.

### What the figures mean for Nigeria

The 81 per cent increase provides evidence that tariff policy can have a significant effect on bilateral trade when exporters are able to take advantage of improved market access.

If the trend continues through the second half of 2026, Nigeria could record another substantial increase in annual exports to China.

The challenge will be ensuring that the growth translates into broader economic benefits at home.

Higher exports can generate foreign exchange, support businesses, create employment and improve government revenue.

For Nigeria, the long-term objective will be to turn the improved access to China's huge consumer market into sustained growth in non-oil exports.

The latest figures therefore represent a potentially important development in Nigeria-China economic relations, but the durability of the export boom will depend on whether Nigerian producers can maintain supply and compete effectively in the Chinese market.