Nigeria-China Trade Hits $18bn in H1 2026 as Exports Surge 80%
Bilateral trade between Nigeria and China reached $18 billion in the first half of 2026, highlighting the growing economic relationship between both countries.
The development comes alongside an 80 per cent increase in Nigerian exports to China during the period, according to the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai.
A new trade protocol has also granted eligible Nigerian aquatic products zero-tariff access to the Chinese market, potentially creating new opportunities for Nigerian exporters targeting the country’s huge consumer base.
Nigeria gains access to China’s huge market
The Nigeria-China Aquatic Products Protocol was concluded after almost five years of negotiations.
Under the agreement, qualifying Nigerian aquatic products can enter the Chinese market without tariffs, giving local producers and exporters a potentially stronger position in one of the world’s largest consumer markets.
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The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, urged Nigerian businesses and exporters to move quickly to take advantage of the new market-access opportunity.
He made the call while receiving Ambassador Yu during a courtesy visit and reception following the signing of the protocol.
Nigeria-China trade rises strongly in 2026
Tegbe said bilateral trade between Nigeria and China had reached $18 billion between January and June 2026, compared with $28 billion recorded throughout 2025.
The minister said implementation of the aquatic products agreement could help deepen economic relations and accelerate discussions around other trade initiatives, including the proposed Zero Tariff Agreement for African countries.
The new arrangement is expected to provide Nigerian exporters with greater access to Chinese buyers while potentially supporting increased foreign exchange earnings from non-oil exports.
Nigerian exports to China rise 80%
Ambassador Yu said Nigerian exports to China increased by 80 per cent in the first half of 2026, pointing to significant potential for further expansion of bilateral trade.
He also cited a 35 per cent increase in overall bilateral trade during the period as evidence of the growing commercial relationship between both countries.
The ambassador reaffirmed the commitment of the Chinese Embassy to supporting the implementation of the aquatic products protocol and helping qualified Nigerian products gain entry into the Chinese market.
China supports Nigeria’s power sector
Beyond trade, China also reaffirmed its willingness to support Nigeria’s efforts to modernise and expand its electricity infrastructure.
Ambassador Yu assured the minister of the Chinese government’s support for initiatives aimed at improving the country’s power system.
The development adds an energy dimension to the expanding relationship, with trade, infrastructure and investment increasingly forming key areas of cooperation between Nigeria and China.
What the new trade deal means for Nigerian exporters
The zero-tariff access for eligible aquatic products could provide Nigerian exporters with an opportunity to expand their presence in China and increase the value of non-oil exports.
For local businesses to benefit fully, exporters will need to meet the relevant quality, certification, sanitary and market-entry requirements applicable to the Chinese market.
With bilateral trade already reaching $18 billion in the first six months of 2026, the latest agreement could further strengthen economic ties between Nigeria and China while opening additional opportunities for Nigerian products abroad.
