China Supplies 39 Percent of Nigeria’s Imports in First Half of 2026
Newly-released trade statistics reviewed by independent monitors indicate that China provided goods valued at N11.01 trillion to Nigeria during the first half of 2026, representing 39.27 percent of the country’s total imports of N28.04 trillion.
The trend reflects a deepening penetration by the Asian giant into the import market despite a more than 15 percent drop in the overall import bill compared to the same period in 2025.
Imports from China rose from N5.10 trillion in the first quarter to N5.92 trillion in the second quarter.
Policy analysts circulating the information in private economic forums cite concerns about the impact on supply-chain security and the competitive position of local manufacturers following the figures.
NAFDAC officials have separately raised alarms on the prevalence of Chinese-linked counterfeit operations riding on the massive influx of cargo into Nigeria.
Importers who spoke on the condition of anonymity said the rise is attributed to both competitive pricing and the wide range of products that manufacturers have been unable to replicate.
The data have triggered renewed calls from industrial associations for targeted incentives that will redirect some demand away from their Chinese counterparts.
Consumer goods distributors on the other hand argue that cheaper imports help temper retail prices.
The trade deficit is one of the key, if under-reported, stories in business and policy circles this week.
How Nigeria balances the need for imports with its industrial development agenda will define industrial policy debates for the next several months ahead.
The latest data therefore underscore the classic economic dilemma of ensuring availability of cheap goods and making room for expansion and competitiveness of Nigerian manufacturers.
