China dominates Nigeria’s import market as US trade share declines

China has significantly increased its dominance in the Nigerian import market, accounting for nearly 40% of the country’s total imports in the first half of 2026. During this period, China supplied approximately N11.01tn (US$8.2bn) in merchandise. This growth occurred even as Nigeria’s overall import bill declined by roughly 15.37% compared to the previous year.

The shift in trade dynamics is marked by a sharp contrast with the United States. While Chinese imports rose by 14.49% year-on-year, American shipments saw a substantial decline, falling from N2.81tn in the first quarter to just N1.01tn in the second quarter. Chinese goods are increasingly concentrated in critical sectors, including telecommunications, solar panels, agricultural machinery, and industrial inputs.

Beyond the supply of goods, a new tension is emerging within the Nigerian retail sector. Local traders have expressed concerns that Chinese businesses are moving beyond the role of suppliers to compete directly with Nigerian merchants. Allegations from traders in Lagos suggest that Chinese entities are establishing warehouses and retail shops to sell directly to consumers, potentially undermining the traditional business models of Nigerian importers and wholesalers.