China dominates Nigeria’s imports while Spain leads as top export destination in Q2 2025

Key Takeaways

  • China remains Nigeria’s largest import partner, accounting for ₦4.96T or 32.45% of total imports—more than double the U.S.'s share.
  • The United States holds second place in imports, contributing ₦2.16T (14.12%), while India, the Netherlands, and the UAE follow with smaller shares below 6%.
  • Spain tops Nigeria’s export market, receiving ₦2.47T worth of goods, representing 10.85% of total exports.
  • Europe features strongly among export partners, with Spain, France, and the Netherlands together absorbing nearly a quarter of Nigeria’s outbound trade.

In Q2 2025, Nigeria’s foreign trade reached ₦38.04 trillion, split between ₦15.29 trillion in imports and ₦22.75 trillion in exports. China remained Nigeria’s dominant import partner, accounting for ₦4.96 trillion or 32.45% of total imports, followed by the United States at ₦2.16 trillion (14.12%).

On the export side, Spain emerged as the leading destination, absorbing ₦2.47 trillion worth of goods (10.85%), while India, France, the Netherlands, and Canada also featured prominently. This trade balance highlights Nigeria’s reliance on China and the U.S. for imports, while its export markets are more diversified across Europe, Asia, and North America.

Source:

National bureau of statistics

Period:

Q2 2025
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