Nigeria has recorded an export loss of nearly ₦1 trillion in trade with the United States after the implementation of higher tariffs under former US President Donald Trump, official trade data has revealed.
Figures from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) show that Nigeria’s exports to the US declined by ₦940.98 billion in the first nine months of 2025, falling from ₦4.59 trillion in 2024 to ₦3.65 trillion.
At the same time, Nigeria’s imports from the US surged to ₦6.80 trillion, more than doubling year-on-year.
As a result, Nigeria’s trade position with the US flipped from a ₦1.57 trillion surplus in 2024 to a ₦3.15 trillion deficit in 2025, highlighting the impact of shifting US trade policies.
The downturn followed Washington’s decision to raise tariffs on Nigerian goods from 14 per cent to 15 per cent, effective August 2025. While crude oil exports were largely exempted, non-oil exports were hit hard, leading to weaker demand and uncertainty among US buyers.
Quarterly data indicates that Nigeria’s exports fell sharply in the third quarter of 2025, while imports—dominated by crude oil, used vehicles, wheat, and industrial inputs—continued to rise.
Reacting earlier to the policy shift, President Bola Tinubu said Nigeria would remain resilient, pointing to rising non-oil revenue and diversification efforts as buffers against external shocks. However, trade analysts say the figures expose structural weaknesses in Nigeria’s export base and underline the risks of over-reliance on a narrow range of markets.
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Disclaimer:
This report is based on official data from the National Bureau of Statistics and public statements available at the time of publication. CDA News Nigeria will update the story as developments occur.
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