Nigeria shifts export focus to Africa and BRICS as US trade drops
Nigeria’s exports to African countries soared to N4.9tn in the third quarter of 2025, nearly doubling from the previous year. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, this surge marks a significant pivot toward intra-African trade and BRICS markets. Exports to China and Brazil rose sharply, while trade with the United States and India declined. Stakeholders say new tariffs and trade barriers are driving this shift.
TLDR
- Nigeria’s exports to Africa jumped 97% year-on-year, reaching N4.9tn in Q3 2025.
- Exports to China grew by 230%, while exports to the US fell by 56% in the same period.
- US President Donald Trump imposed a 14% tariff on Nigerian goods, worsening trade ties.
- Experts like Segun Ajayi-Kadir and Chinyere Almona say exporters are now targeting BRICS and emerging markets.
- Stakeholders urge Nigeria to deepen intra-African trade and diversify export sectors amid global shifts.
