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.

In 2023, mineral fuels, oils, and distillation products were China’s largest imports from Nigeria, valued at $1.41 billion. This was followed by imports of ores, slag, and ash, which amounted to $399.09 million, and salt, sulphur, earth, stone, plaster, lime, and cement, valued at $305.91 million. Copper imports totaled $142.07 million, reflecting China's demand for industrial inputs.

Nigeria also exported a range of agricultural and animal products to China, including oil seeds ($50.73 million), raw hides and skins ($7.85 million), and coffee, tea, maté, and spices ($7.39 million).

Source:

Trading Economics, UN Comtrade

Period:

2023
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