Nigeria's exports to South Africa have far exceeded imports since 2002

Key Takeaways

  • Nigeria has exported more to South Africa than it has imported every year since 2002.
  • Exports peaked at $6.29 billion in 2014, driven almost entirely by mineral fuels.
  • Imports from South Africa have remained below $1 billion annually.
  • Nigeria recorded a $1.27 billion trade surplus with South Africa in 2025.
  • Mineral fuels made up over 95% of Nigeria's exports throughout 1995-2025.

Nigeria and South Africa are two of Africa's largest economies and major trading partners, but their bilateral trade has developed unevenly.

Nigeria has consistently exported far more to South Africa than it imports, with the gap widening sharply from the early 2000s. Nigerian exports peaked at $6.29 billion in 2014, driven overwhelmingly by mineral fuels, while imports from South Africa have remained below $1 billion a year.

In 2025, Nigeria recorded a $1.27 billion trade surplus with South Africa.

Source:

UNCTADstat

Period:

1995-2025
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