Nigeria’s bilateral trade with China reached $18 billion in the first half of 2026, while Nigerian exports to the Asian country rose by 80 per cent to $2.3 billion, following the implementation of China’s zero-tariff policy for African countries.
Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, disclosed the figures on Monday, saying the increase reflected the growing trade opportunities created by China’s decision to remove tariffs on imports from African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations.
The zero-tariff arrangement took effect on May 1, 2026, providing eligible Nigerian products with duty-free access to the Chinese market of about 1.4 billion consumers.
The development comes as Nigeria moves to take advantage of a newly concluded Nigeria-China Aquatic Products Protocol, which grants eligible Nigerian aquatic products zero-tariff access to China.
Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has called for the swift implementation of the protocol, saying the agreement should translate into higher exports, increased foreign-exchange earnings and greater opportunities for Nigerian businesses.
The aquatic products agreement was concluded after nearly five years of negotiations. The Federal Government is now urging Nigerian exporters to move quickly to meet the requirements for accessing the Chinese market.
The Chinese ambassador said bilateral trade increased by 35 per cent in the first half of the year, while imports from Nigeria climbed by 80 per cent to $2.3 billion.
The figures indicate that Nigeria-China trade in the first six months of 2026 had already reached about 64 per cent of the $28 billion recorded between both countries throughout 2025.
However, the new market access also places greater responsibility on Nigerian producers and exporters to meet Chinese quality and regulatory requirements and maintain reliable supplies.
The Federal Government is therefore seeking to ensure that the tariff concessions translate into actual growth in Nigerian exports rather than simply creating access to the Chinese market.
The agreement is expected to create opportunities particularly for Nigeria’s fisheries and aquatic-products sector, with the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service set to support exporters in meeting the required compliance standards.
Private-sector operators have also indicated interest in beginning exports under the new arrangement, while Chinese authorities have pledged support for qualified Nigerian products seeking entry into the market.
The latest trade figures and the aquatic-products agreement have increased expectations that Nigeria can expand its exports to China and earn more foreign exchange by taking advantage of the new duty-free access.
