Trade between Nigeria and China reached $17.4 billion in the first half of 2026, up 35% year on year. Nigerian exports grew even faster, though China still sold nearly seven times as much to Nigeria as it bought from the country.
Nigeria exported $2.25 billion worth of goods to China between January and June, an increase of 81% from the same period a year earlier. Sales to China picked up sharply, while the bilateral trade figures still show a substantial gap between the two countries’ exports.
Nigerian exports to China climb sharply
Based on the reported trade total, China exported an estimated $15.15 billion worth of goods to Nigeria. That puts Nigeria’s trade deficit with China at about $12.9 billion for the six-month period. Nigerian exports accounted for roughly 13% of bilateral trade.
Export diversification will be the next test
Preferential access to the Chinese market could help more Nigerian companies begin exporting to China. In the agri-food sector, several factors shape competitiveness. Factory-gate prices, freight costs, delivery times and compliance with Chinese requirements all affect final prices and the ability to secure repeat orders.
For Nigerian companies, a first contract opens the door to a new market. Delivering several times a year and consistently meeting buyers’ volume and quality requirements can turn that first sale into a steady source of demand. The next trade figures will show whether export growth is accompanied by a broader range of products and more regular shipments from Nigerian processors.
