Nigeria’s bilateral trade with China has climbed to $18 billion in the first half of 2026, as Nigerian aquatic products secure zero-tariff access to the Chinese market.
The new arrangement is expected to expand Nigeria’s export opportunities and increase foreign exchange earnings by opening access to a market of about 1.4 billion consumers. The development followed the signing of the Nigeria-China Aquatic Products Protocol after nearly five years of negotiations. Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, disclosed that Nigerian exports to China increased by 80 per cent during the first half of 2026.
Yu made the disclosure during a courtesy visit and reception hosted by the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, following the signing of the protocol. According to the minister, the Nigeria-China trade relationship recorded significant growth during the period, with bilateral trade reaching $18 billion between January and June. The figure compares with the $28 billion recorded in trade between both countries throughout 2025.
Tegbe urged Nigerian exporters and businesses to move quickly to exploit the newly created market-access opportunity. He said the implementation of the aquatic products agreement would deepen economic relations between both countries and potentially accelerate other trade initiatives. Among such initiatives, he identified the Zero Tariff Agreement for African countries.
The minister also appreciated Ambassador Yu for his continued support for the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership and efforts to strengthen commercial and business relations between the two countries. The new protocol provides eligible Nigerian aquatic products with duty-free entry into China, potentially giving local producers and exporters greater access to international consumers.
Ambassador Yu reaffirmed the Chinese Embassy’s commitment to supporting implementation of the agreement and facilitating the entry of qualified Nigerian aquatic products into the Chinese market. He described Tegbe’s appointment as evidence of his leadership, vision and pragmatism.
The ambassador also highlighted the growth recorded in bilateral economic relations, noting a 35 per cent increase in bilateral trade and an 80 per cent rise in Nigerian exports to China during the first half of 2026. According to him, the figures demonstrate the considerable potential for further cooperation between both countries.
The ambassador further assured the minister of China’s support for Nigeria’s efforts to modernise and expand its power system. The latest development places greater emphasis on Nigeria’s ability to convert improved market access into actual export growth, with businesses expected to take advantage of the new zero-tariff arrangement.
