Nigeria-China Trade Surges 35% to $17.4 Billion in 2026

Trade between Nigeria and China rose by 35% to $17.4 billion in the first half of 2026, as reported by Yang Jianxing, the Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria. Nigerian exports to China increased significantly by 81% to $2.25 billion.

Yang made this announcement during the launch of the Mandarin Service of the Voice of Nigeria and the China-Nigeria Bridge Chinese Radio Programme in Abuja. He attributed the growth to China's zero-tariff policy for 53 African countries, including Nigeria, which has opened new opportunities for exports.

The overall trade between China and Africa reached a record $207.4 billion in the same period, with imports from Africa totaling $28.5 billion, marking a 23.5% year-on-year increase. Yang noted that Nigeria's imports recorded over 40% growth in May and June, emphasizing the potential for Nigeria and other African nations to expand their exports, particularly in agricultural products and raw materials.