China bought $2.25 billion worth of goods from Nigeria in the first half of 2026.
The figure represents an 81 per cent increase compared with the same period last year.
The growth followed China’s zero-tariff policy for products from 53 African countries, including Nigeria.
China’s Consul General in Lagos, Yan Yuqing, disclosed the figures at a 2026 industry expo conference.
She said the policy was already showing results less than four months after implementation.
She stated, “Chinese imports from Nigeria accounted for $2.25 billion of the trade, rising by 81 per cent year-on-year, with monthly growth exceeding 40 per cent in both May and June.”
Total China-Nigeria trade also reached $17.4 billion between January and June 2026.
That figure represents a 35 per cent increase from the corresponding period in 2025.
China introduced the zero-tariff policy on May 1, covering all tariff lines from eligible African countries.
The move is aimed at improving African access to the Chinese market and deepening economic ties.
Yan said the policy could create more opportunities for Nigerian exporters and businesses.
She also noted the growing investment relationship between both countries.
China’s direct investment in Nigeria reached $690 million in 2025, rising 103 per cent from the previous year.
Bilateral trade also exceeded $28 billion last year, according to the Consul General.
Yan described Nigeria as an important market and investment destination for China.
She added, “Nigeria is also China’s second-largest trading partner in Africa,” she said.
The latest figures suggest that the China-Nigeria trade relationship continues to expand across several economic sectors.
