ABUJA, NIGERIA — Nigeria’s exports to China recorded strong growth in the first half of 2026 as expanded zero-tariff access opened wider opportunities for African products in the Chinese market.
Chinese imports from Nigeria reached US$2.25 billion during the first six months of the year, representing an increase of 81 percent compared with the same period in 2025.
Total trade between Nigeria and China reached US$17.4 billion over the same period, up 35 percent year-on-year.
The figures were highlighted by Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria Yu Dunhai during a seminar in Abuja on China’s zero-tariff measures and Africa’s economic transformation.
China extended zero-tariff treatment across 100 percent of tariff lines to all 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations from 1 May 2026.
Growth in Nigerian exports was particularly strong after the policy took effect, with monthly growth exceeding 40 percent in both May and June.
Across Africa, Chinese imports from the continent reached US$28.5 billion in May and June, an increase of 23.5 percent year-on-year. Chinese officials estimate that the expanded zero-tariff policy lifted overall African exports to China by about 6 percent.
The longer-term impact will depend on the ability of Nigerian businesses to meet market standards, strengthen logistics, improve value addition and develop products that can compete effectively in China.
The growth in Nigerian exports provides an early indication of how wider market access could influence Africa–China trade as more African businesses take advantage of the tariff arrangement.