China's exports to Nigeria more than doubled between the 2016 drop and the 2022 peak, growing by 130%

Key Takeaways:    

  • China’s exports to Nigeria increased from less than $100 million in 1992 to $20.2 billion in 2023, an overall growth of 22,074%.
  • The highest export value was recorded in 2022 at $22.3 billion.
  • China's exports to Nigeria dropped sharply in 2016 to $9.7 billion from $15.39 billion in 2014.
  • After a sharp 29% decline between 2015 and 2016, exports entered a period of sustained growth beginning in 2017.
  • The 2020–2022 period saw remarkable growth, with exports rising by 33% despite global pandemic challenges.
  • In 2023, exports declined by 9.5%, yet remained significantly above pre-pandemic levels.

China’s exports to Nigeria have grown significantly over the past three decades, reflecting deepening economic ties between the two nations. Starting at $90.9 million in 1992, exports surged past $22 billion by 2022, driven by the demand for machinery, electronics, and manufactured goods. But 2023 saw a slight decline to $20.2 billion.

Amid economic challenges and global uncertainty, exports dropped sharply to $9.7 billion by 2016. From 2017 onward, trade rebounded steadily, with China reaching a historic high in 2022 at $22.3 billion in exports to Nigeria.

Source:

Trading Economics, UN Comtrade

Period:

1992-2023
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China's imports from Nigeria were highest at $3.03 billion in 2021, with mineral fuels, oils, and distillation products accounting for the majority of the import value
Key Takeaways:
  • From 2014 to 2023, China’s imports from Nigeria fluctuated significantly, ranging between $907 million and over $3 billion.
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  • Imports fell by 47% in 2022 but recovered by 48% in 2023, reaching $2.37 billion.
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Top 10 goods made up 63% of China’s exports to Nigeria in 2023
Key Takeaways:
  • Electrical and electronic equipment was China’s top export to Nigeria, valued at $2.88 billion.
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  • In total, China exported goods worth $20.18 billion to Nigeria in 2023.
Mineral fuels dominate China’s imports from Nigeria, accounting for nearly 60% of the total trade value
Key Takeaways:
  • In 2023, China imported $1.41 billion worth of mineral fuels and oils from Nigeria, making it the leading import category.
  • The top three import categories (mineral fuels, ores, and salt/earth materials) together made up nearly 89% of the total import value.
  • Nigeria’s exports to China are largely raw materials and natural resources, with minimal contribution from manufactured goods.
  • The top ten product categories accounted for almost 99% of China’s total imports from Nigeria.
  • Agricultural and animal products such as oil seeds, raw hides, and spices also formed part of Nigeria’s export portfolio.
  • China’s total imports from Nigeria were valued at $2.37 billion in 2023.
China recorded a $17.8 billion trade surplus with Nigeria in 2023, as exports outpaced imports by a ratio of 8.5 to 1
Key Takeaways:
  • In 2023, China’s exports to Nigeria totaled $20.18 billion, while imports from Nigeria reached only $2.37 billion.
  • China’s trade surplus with Nigeria amounted to approximately $17.8 billion.
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After the 2020 crash, US-Nigeria trade value climbed to $10B+ in 2024
Key Takeaways: 
  • The US' trade deficit with Nigeria narrowed significantly, shifting from a $5.14 billion deficit in 2017 to a $1.69 billion surplus in 2024.
  • US goods exports to Nigeria reached $4.2 billion in 2024, representing a 92% increase from the $2.2 billion recorded in 2017.
  • US goods imports from Nigeria totalled $5.9 billion in 2024, a 20% decrease from the $7.3 billion recorded in 2017.
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  • By 2024, trade had rebounded substantially, with US imports from Nigeria reaching $5.87 billion and exports to Nigeria reaching $4.17 billion.
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  • Total goods trade between the US and Nigeria ranged from $4 billion to approximately $10 billion.
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Key Takeaways:
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  • The top 10 agricultural commodities made up 56.6% of the total value of the US' agricultural exports.
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