The Chinese Embassy says imports from Nigeria reached $2.25 billion in the first half of 2026, helped by Beijing’s zero-tariff policy for Nigerian products
Nigeria’s exports to China rose by 81 per cent to $2.25 billion in the first half of 2026, according to the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, as expanding bilateral trade and Beijing’s zero-tariff policy for Nigerian products helped strengthen commercial ties between both countries.
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The Chinese Embassy disclosed the figures in a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its spokesperson, Zhu Songbo, while responding to discrepancies between Chinese and Nigerian data on trade and investment flows.
According to Chinese statistics cited by the embassy, China’s imports from Nigeria totalled $2.25 billion between January and June 2026, representing an 81 per cent increase compared with the corresponding period of 2025.
The embassy said the upward trend continued through the second quarter, with imports from Nigeria reaching $360 million in May, a 44 per cent year-on-year increase, before rising further to $440 million in June, representing a 42 per cent increase.
The figures point to a significant expansion in Nigeria China exports at a time when both countries are seeking to deepen economic cooperation and increase the flow of goods and investment between their markets.
The embassy attributed part of the growth to China’s decision to grant zero-tariff treatment to products originating from Nigeria and 52 other African countries with which Beijing maintains diplomatic relations.
“Since May 1, 2026, China has granted zero-tariff treatment on 100 per cent of tariff lines to products originating from Nigeria and 52 other African countries having diplomatic relations with China.
The positive impact of this policy has already begun to emerge,” the embassy said.
The development could provide a significant boost to Nigerian exporters seeking greater access to the Chinese market, particularly as the Federal Government continues efforts to expand non-oil exports and diversify the country’s sources of foreign exchange.
However, the embassy’s statement also sought to clarify a significant difference between Nigerian and Chinese records on Chinese investment in Nigeria.
An analysis of data from Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics had indicated that capital inflows from China fell by 40.9 per cent in the first quarter of 2026, despite the Federal Government’s announcement of more than $20 billion in investment commitments from Chinese investors across manufacturing, energy, mining, agriculture and other sectors.
The NBS data showed that capital importation from China declined to $9.39 million in the first quarter of 2026, representing a 40.89 per cent year-on-year decrease. The figure was also 13.69 per cent lower than the $6.43 million recorded in the fourth quarter of 2025.
The embassy, however, said the apparent difference was largely the result of different statistical methodologies used to measure investment.
“According to Chinese statistics, China’s direct investment in Nigeria exceeded US $50 million in the first quarter of 2026, broadly unchanged from the same period last year,” Zhu said.
“The apparent difference between the two sets of figures is primarily attributable to differences in statistical methodology.”
The embassy explained that Chinese investment in Nigeria was predominantly structured as long-term direct investment focused on the real economy, including manufacturing and infrastructure.
It said such investments were designed to support Nigeria’s industrial development and sustainable economic growth rather than simply reflect short-term capital movements captured by conventional capital importation statistics.
The embassy also pointed to historical differences between the two countries’ records.
According to the statement, Nigerian statistics put China’s capital importation into Nigeria at $38.66 million in 2025, while Chinese records placed direct investment at approximately $390 million during the same period.
The embassy said the discrepancy demonstrated the need to consider differences in methodology when comparing investment data from both countries.
Beyond the headline figures, the Chinese mission highlighted the activities of Chinese businesses operating in Nigeria, particularly within the Lekki Free Trade Zone.
It said cumulative Chinese investment in the zone had exceeded $1.5 billion and generated more than 8,000 direct jobs.
Seven new enterprises were also reportedly established in the zone during the first half of 2026, according to the embassy.
“An increasing number of Chinese enterprises remain confident in Nigeria’s long-term development prospects and are committed to engaging with the local market,” the embassy said.
It described the Lekki Free Trade Zone as an example of how Chinese businesses were contributing to Nigeria’s industrial expansion through investment, employment generation, tax revenues and other economic activities.
The embassy maintained that China’s economic relationship with Nigeria was built around complementary strengths and would continue to develop despite challenges affecting investment and trade statistics.
“Chinese enterprises continue to inject new momentum into Nigeria’s economic and social development by promoting industrial growth, generating tax revenues, creating employment opportunities and improving people’s livelihoods,” it added.
The latest trade figures offer a positive signal for Nigeria’s efforts to expand its export market and deepen its commercial relationship with one of the world’s largest economies.
For China, stronger imports from Nigeria could also support Beijing’s broader strategy of strengthening economic ties with African countries by lowering trade barriers and encouraging greater access to its vast consumer market.
The immediate challenge for Nigeria will be to sustain the momentum by increasing the volume, quality and competitiveness of locally produced goods capable of meeting Chinese market demand.
With the zero-tariff policy now in effect and bilateral economic ties continuing to evolve, the sharp rise in Nigeria China exports could mark an important step towards a more balanced trading relationship, provided Nigerian producers and exporters can take full advantage of the expanded market access.
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The figures also highlight the importance of improving coordination between Nigerian and Chinese statistical agencies to ensure that differences in methodology do not obscure the true scale of investment and trade between the two countries.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
