Trade between China and Nigeria has surged by 35 per cent year-on-year to $17.4 billion in the first half of 2026, reflecting stronger economic ties between both countries and the early impact of China’s new zero-tariff policy for African products.

The Consul General of China in Lagos, Yan Yuqing, disclosed this at the 2026 Nigeria International New Energy and Power Industry Expo and Nigeria International Lighting Expo Lunch Conference held yesterday.

She said Chinese imports from Nigeria recorded an even stronger performance during the period, rising by 81 per cent year-on-year to $2.25 billion.

According to Yan, the increase came just three and a half months after China fully implemented its zero-tariff policy on May 1, 2026, for products from 53 African countries with diplomatic relations with China.

Yan said the growth in Nigerian exports to China showed that the policy was already generating tangible benefits, with monthly growth exceeding 40 per cent in both May and June.

The Consul General described the zero-tariff measure as a substantive step in China’s high-level opening-up strategy and an important component of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Beijing Action Plan for 2025–2027.

Yan said the policy would create greater opportunities for African producers, including Nigerian businesses, to expand their presence in the Chinese market and contribute to the shared pursuit of economic modernisation.