Chinese imports from Nigeria surged by 81 per cent year-on-year to $2.25 billion during the first half of 2026 following Beijing’s introduction of a zero-tariff policy for products from several African countries.
According to Vanguard, China’s Consul General in Lagos, Yan Yuqing, disclosed the figures during the 2026 Nigeria International New Energy and Power Industry Expo and Nigeria International Lighting Expo launch conference.
Nigeria-China trade reaches $17.4bn
Yan said total bilateral trade between Nigeria and China reached $17.4 billion during the first six months of the year, representing a 35 per cent increase compared with the same period in 2025.
Imports by China from Nigeria accounted for $2.25 billion of that amount.
The figures showed particularly strong growth in May and June following the implementation of the new tariff arrangement.
China introduced the zero-tariff policy on May 1, covering all tariff lines for products from 53 African countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Beijing.
Policy expands market for Nigerian goods
The initiative is intended to give African products greater access to the Chinese market while strengthening economic cooperation between China and the continent.
Yan said the early figures demonstrate the potential of the policy to increase Nigerian exports and deepen commercial relations between both countries.
China-Nigeria trade had already exceeded $28 billion in 2025, while Chinese direct investment in Nigeria reached $690 million.
The diplomat described Nigeria as China’s second-largest trading partner in Africa and its largest engineering contracting market on the continent.
The latest figures could strengthen calls for Nigerian producers to take greater advantage of tariff-free access to one of the world’s largest consumer markets.
