Nigeria’s exports to the United States dropped sharply by ₦940.98 billion in the first nine months of 2025, reversing a previous trade surplus into a deficit of ₦3.15 trillion, according to the latest foreign trade data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
Exports fell 20.5% to ₦3.65 trillion from ₦4.59 trillion in the same period of 2024, while imports from the US more than doubled to ₦6.80 trillion from ₦3.01 trillion—a 125.5% surge.
The decline was particularly steep in non-oil exports, as the US implemented a reciprocal tariff regime under President Donald Trump, raising Nigeria’s tariff rate from 14% to 15% effective August 7, 2025, with crude oil largely exempted.
Quarterly trends highlight the rapid deterioration: exports started strong at ₦1.54 trillion in Q1 2025 but collapsed to ₦744 billion by Q3, while imports rose steadily from ₦1.42 trillion to ₦3.22 trillion.
The US fell out of Nigeria’s top five export destinations by mid-year, as non-oil items like cocoa, urea, and rubber faced reduced demand from higher duties and market uncertainty.
In contrast, US imports—led by crude petroleum, used vehicles, wheat, and industrial goods—expanded dramatically, underscoring Nigeria’s growing reliance on foreign products.
The shift exposes structural vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s export diversification efforts and the impact of external policy changes.
Analysts note that while oil exemptions mitigated some losses, the broader trade imbalance signals the need for new markets and reforms to strengthen non-oil sectors.
The government has emphasized adaptability, but the figures highlight ongoing challenges amid global trade tensions.