U.S. Trade Surplus with Nigeria Hits $576 Million in 2025 Amid Rising Tariffs

The United States recorded a $576 million trade surplus with Nigeria in the first half of 2025, reversing a $779 million deficit from the same period in 2024. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the turnaround was driven by stronger American exports to Nigeria and a decline in Nigerian shipments to the U.S., signaling a major shift in bilateral trade dynamics.

Between January and June 2025, U.S. exports to Nigeria surged by 41%, rising from $2.36 billion in H1 2024 to $3.34 billion. Meanwhile, imports from Nigeria fell 12% to $2.76 billion, compared with $3.14 billion in H1 2024. Monthly figures for June highlight this shift even more dramatically, with U.S. exports hitting $919 million, up nearly 196% year-on-year, while imports grew modestly to $639 million, flipping the monthly balance from a $182 million deficit in June 2024 to a $280 million surplus in June 2025.

The growth in American exports reflects Nigeria’s increasing demand for manufactured goods, including machinery, vehicles, and pharmaceuticals, amid persistent foreign exchange shortages that continue to constrain local production. Analysts say this reliance on U.S. products has been a key factor in reversing Nigeria’s trade deficit, even as broader African trade still poses challenges for Washington.

Despite Nigeria’s positive shift, the U.S. posted a $3.69 billion trade deficit with Africa overall in H1 2025, slightly higher than the $3.61 billion deficit in the same period in 2024. Only Nigeria and Egypt delivered surpluses for the U.S., while countries like South Africa and Algeria contributed to deepening deficits. Egypt’s surplus reached $2.73 billion, more than double its 2024 figure, whereas South Africa’s deficit nearly doubled to $6.32 billion, driven by soaring imports.

The shift comes amid escalating U.S. tariffs on African goods. Beginning August 2025, Washington imposed reciprocal tariffs, setting Nigeria’s rate at 15%, up from 14% under previous measures. While these duties increase pressure on resource-dependent exporters like Nigeria, Egypt has remained relatively insulated due to its Qualifying Industrial Zone framework, highlighting how tariffs and trade policy continue to reshape U.S.–Africa trade balances in 2025.

Source: Nairametrics