As exports dropped and imports from the American market showed a sharp rise in the first quarter of 2026, Nigeria’s trade balance with the United States deteriorated significantly.
The News Chronicle reports that the most recent statistics from the National Bureau of Statistics show Nigeria shipped N1.18 trillion worth of products to the US—a 23.69 percent decrease from N1.54 trillion recorded in the same month of 2025.
On the other hand, imports from the US surged by 97.33 percent to N2.81 trillion, therefore increasing Nigeria’s trade deficit with the nation to almost N1.63 trillion. With 20.6 percent of total imports, the US stayed Nigeria’s second largest source of imports behind China and placed fifth among its export markets.
Exports grew from the last quarter, but the rebound was not enough to stop the annual drop. Analysts think the growing trade deficit shows more demand for American commodities and lower demand for Nigerian products in the US.
Though Nigerian authorities have expressed hope for the nation’s long-term trade prospects, the growth also coincides with changes in American trade policies including increased tariffs on some Nigerian exports.
