Nigeria's Imports to China Surge 81% in H1 2026

The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria reported that imports from Nigeria into China rose by 81% in the first half of 2026, amounting to $2.25 billion compared to the same period in 2025. This increase is attributed to expanding bilateral trade and China's zero-tariff policy for Nigerian products.

In May 2026, imports reached $360 million, a 44% year-on-year increase, and further rose to $440 million in June, up 42%. The statement, signed by spokesperson Zhu Songbo, noted discrepancies between Chinese and Nigerian statistics, primarily due to different statistical methodologies.

Despite a 40.9% decline in capital inflows from China to Nigeria in Q1 2026, the embassy confirmed that direct investment from China exceeded $50 million in the same quarter, consistent with the previous year. The embassy emphasized that Chinese investment in Nigeria focuses on long-term direct investments in the real economy, including manufacturing and infrastructure, aimed at supporting Nigeria's sustainable economic development.