Nigeria: China's Zero-Tariff Policy Drives 81% Surge in Nigerian Exports

What the report says

Nigeria’s exports to China rose sharply in the first half of 2026, climbing 81% year on year to $2.25 billion, according to figures reported by Daily Trust and republished by AllAfrica. The increase is being linked to Beijing’s zero-tariff policy for goods from 53 African countries, which China fully put into effect on May 1 for countries with diplomatic ties.

The figures were presented by Yan Yuqing, China’s consul general in Lagos, at the 2026 Nigeria International New Energy and Power Industry Expo and Nigeria International Lighting Expo Lunch Conference. She said total China-Nigeria trade reached $17.4 billion in the period, while Nigerian exports reportedly grew by more than 40% month on month in both May and June after the policy took hold.

According to the report, the tariff change is part of China’s broader opening-up agenda and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Beijing Action Plan for 2025-2027. Yan said the policy could help Nigeria expand non-oil exports, especially agricultural products, and earn more foreign exchange, while also urging businesses to meet Chinese quality and certification standards.

The article also noted that China-Nigeria trade exceeded $28 billion in 2025 and that Chinese direct investment in Nigeria increased to $690 million. More broadly, the development highlights Nigeria’s opportunity to turn preferential access into sustained export growth and stronger local production.