The China-Nigeria trade has soared by 34%, reaching $15.48 billion in the first seven months of 2025.
This comes as many African nations, including Nigeria have begun to pivot toward China in response to the United States President Donald Trump’s tariff policies.
The surge in China-Nigeria trade was announced by China’s Consul-General in Lagos, Yan Yuqing.
Yuqing disclosed this while speaking at a reception to mark three historic occasions: the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary, and the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Yuqing announced that the surge in China-Nigeria trade is a reflection of the deepening bilateral ties amid global trade disruptions.
She also added that the development has positioned Nigeria as China’s second-largest trading partner on the African continent.
Yuqing emphasized the “mutual respect and benefit” driving this growth, with cooperation expanding across infrastructure, energy, and culture.
She explained that the elevation of relations between both countries to a comprehensive strategic partnership at the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit had created broader prospects for cooperation.
The envoy explained that collaboration in infrastructure, energy resources, trade, culture, and education continued to deepen, bringing tangible benefits to citizens of both nations.
She said: “Nigeria and China, guided by the principles of mutual respect and mutual benefit, have all-round cooperation between China and Nigeria, which has yielded remarkable results.
“From January to July 2025, bilateral trade reached US$15.483 billion, marking a 34.7 per cent year-on-year increase, with Nigeria becoming China’s second-largest trading partner in Africa
“Cooperation in infrastructure, investment and trade, energy resources, culture and education continues to deepen, bringing tangible benefits to both peoples,” she said.
According to her, China’s economy remains resilient despite global challenges, recording 5.3 per cent GDP growth in the first half of 2025 while maintaining its global leadership in innovation.
Yuqing commended the Chinese community in Nigeria for contributing to cultural exchanges, local development, and charity initiatives, urging them to remain bridge-builders in strengthening China-Nigeria friendship.
She assured that the Consulate would continue to safeguard the welfare and interests of Chinese nationals in Nigeria while supporting bilateral cooperation.
She continued: “China-Nigeria relations are at their best in history, with profound prospects for cooperation.
“I urge you all to be ‘bridge-builders in deepening China-Nigeria friendship; be guardians of a harmonious overseas Chinese community.
“Uphold the spirit of unity and mutual assistance to jointly build a warm, inclusive, and affectionate community for overseas Chinese in Nigeria.
“Strive to be the vanguards in safeguarding national unity, and also strive to be at the forefront of safe and lawful business operations. Become the ‘vital force’ driving China-Nigeria cooperative development. Seize the new opportunities.
‘The Chinese Consulate General in Lagos will continue to uphold the principle of diplomacy for the people’, focusing on resolving the urgent and difficult issues faced by our compatriots and enterprises in the consular district.
“We will provide high-quality, efficient services and assistance to the best of our ability to support your work and daily lives.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that this revelation confirms reports that China remains Nigeria’s largest import partner, supplying N4.96 trillion worth of goods in Q2 2025, more than double the United States, which followed with N2.16 trillion.
Asia accounted for 50% of Nigeria’s total imports, with China at the forefront, followed by India, the Netherlands, and the United Arab Emirates.
The bulk of Chinese exports to Nigeria included machinery, refined petroleum products, and telecommunication equipment, highlighting the country’s pivotal role in supplying essential industrial and consumer goods.
Manufactured imports from China totaled N7.88 trillion, reflecting Nigeria’s continued reliance on foreign industrial inputs, while agricultural imports amounted to N1.18 trillion, largely driven by wheat imports from Canada and Russia.
Recall also that Trump had slammed a 15% tariff on goods coming from Nigeria amid the global trade war.
