Trade ties between Nigeria and China have reached a significant milestone, with bilateral trade volume climbing to $18 billion in the first half of 2026. According to figures shared by the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, this represents a 35 per cent increase compared to previous periods, largely driven by the recent implementation of China’s zero-tariff policy for African nations.
Speaking at a seminar in Abuja hosted by the Centre for China Studies, the Ambassador noted that the policy, which officially began on May 1, 2026, has had an immediate impact on the Nigerian market. Imports from Nigeria to China surged by 80 per cent to hit $2.3 billion in that short timeframe. Data indicates that export growth remained robust throughout May and June, with monthly increases exceeding 40 per cent. This shift is part of a broader trend where China-Africa trade hit a record $207 billion during the same six-month period.
The zero-tariff initiative, first unveiled by President Xi Jinping earlier this year, covers all tariff lines for African countries that maintain diplomatic ties with Beijing. Ambassador Dunhai highlighted that this is more than just a trade adjustment; it is a strategic effort to spur industrialisation and mutual economic growth. Nigerian exporters of sesame, cattle bone granules, and liquefied propane have already reported substantial cost savings, with individual shipments saving hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxes almost overnight.
However, the Ambassador cautioned that sustained success depends on more than just lowered tariffs. To truly capitalise on this access, Nigeria must prioritise product quality, reliable supply chains, and domestic processing capabilities. He reaffirmed that China is prepared to offer technical assistance, including the establishment of joint industrial parks, to help Nigeria transition away from merely shipping raw materials.
Echoing these sentiments, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, emphasised that the focus must shift toward value addition. Representing the government at the event, he noted that the true challenge lies in what Nigeria chooses to produce and how much economic value is retained locally. He aligned this goal with the current national agenda, which seeks to attract investments that establish manufacturing plants, logistics networks, and high-skilled job opportunities.
For industry experts, this policy is merely the starting line for a much broader economic transformation. Charles Onunaiju, the Director of the Centre for China Studies, noted that while the tariff relief is a major win for Zoyols News readers and the broader business community, it is not the finish line. He urged the nation to integrate these gains with regional efforts under the African Continental Free Trade Area, suggesting that with the right domestic policies, Nigeria has the potential to leverage this market access to become a major hub for global manufacturing.
