The United States recorded a $1.45 billion goods trade surplus with Nigeria in the first ten months of 2025, a sharp reversal from the deficit position seen in the same period of the previous year, according to official trade data.
Figures released by the US Census Bureau show that US exports to Nigeria rose strongly between January and October 2025, while imports from Nigeria declined.
During the period under review, the United States exported goods valued at $5.94 billion to Nigeria, compared with imports of $4.49 billion, resulting in a positive balance of $1.447 billion in America’s favour.
This contrasted sharply with the same period in 2024, when the US recorded a $1.37 billion trade deficit with Nigeria.
The turnaround became more pronounced in October 2025. In that month alone, the US posted a $162 million surplus with Nigeria, exporting $532 million worth of goods and importing $369 million.
This represented a significant improvement from September 2025, when the surplus stood at $116 million, indicating a month-on-month gain of nearly 40 percent.
Data show that the October improvement was driven more by a contraction in imports than by export growth. Between September and October, US imports from Nigeria fell by over 30 percent, while exports also declined, though at a slower pace. The sharper drop in imports ultimately widened the surplus.
A year-on-year comparison further highlights the scale of the shift. In October 2024, the US recorded a $103 million trade deficit with Nigeria.
By October 2025, that position had flipped decisively to a surplus, supported by a substantial rise in US exports and a moderate reduction in imports from Nigeria.
On a cumulative basis, US exports to Nigeria increased by more than 60 percent compared with the same period of 2024, while imports from Nigeria declined by over 11 percent.
This combination played a key role in reshaping the broader US–Africa trade position in 2025.
Although the United States continued to post a year-to-date trade deficit with Africa as a whole, Nigeria stood out as one of the few major economies on the continent where the US recorded a sizeable surplus.
Nigeria accounted for a significant share of total US exports to Africa and contributed materially to narrowing America’s overall trade shortfall with the region.
Among major African trading partners, only Egypt generated a larger trade surplus for the US during the period. South Africa and Algeria, by contrast, remained in deficit positions, with South Africa accounting for the largest drag on US–Africa trade balances.
The shift in US–Nigeria trade dynamics occurred against the backdrop of tighter US trade policies, including adjustments to tariff structures affecting a range of non-oil exports. While crude oil exports have remained largely exempt, non-oil trade flows have faced increased pressure, influencing sourcing decisions and demand patterns.
Nigerian authorities have maintained that the country will continue to pursue export diversification and expand trade ties beyond the United States, including within Africa and with emerging market partners.
Analysts note that while the trade reversal underscores Nigeria’s importance in US–Africa trade, it also highlights the need for a broader and more resilient export base.
The 2025 data signal a significant realignment in bilateral trade flows, with Nigeria playing an increasingly influential role in shaping the United States’ trade position on the African continent.
