Nigeria’s non-oil exports surged to $3.225bn as 15% US tariff begins

Nigeria's non-oil exports have seen a significant increase, reaching $3.225 billion, following the announcement of a 15% tariff by the US. This tariff, imposed by President Donald Trump, was initially reciprocated by Nigeria with a 14% tariff, which was later postponed to allow for negotiations.

However, as negotiations failed to produce a new agreement, the increased tariff was rolled out on August 1, affecting Nigeria and other African countries. The Nigeria Export Promotion Council reported that exports in the first half of 2025 were valued at $3 billion, showing a substantial increase from the previous year.

The surge in exports was attributed to increased global demand for Nigerian products such as cocoa, sesame, cashew, and aluminum. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has also provided wider market access and tariff relief for Nigerian exporters.

Additionally, Nigeria has diversified its export products beyond traditional agriculture, with cocoa beans, cashew nuts, and sesame seeds being the.