5 Most Important Import Partners of Nigeria in 2023

Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa with its economy heavily dependent on international trade. Nigeria relies on a handful of key trading partners who play a crucial role in shaping the country’s economic growth and development.

The West African country is a major player in international trade whose major imports include machineries, electronics, automobiles, and so on. In 2023, we can expect Nigeria to continue to rely on a range of important trading partners for its imports. Here, we would discuss Nigeria’s 5 most important partners.

China

China is a major supplier of raw materials and machinery to Nigeria. Nigeria exports significant quantities of crude oil from China, and in return, Nigeria imports a variety of manufactured goods, machinery, and equipment to China. These include textiles, electronics, machinery, construction materials, and consumer goods.

As one of the world’s largest economies, China has a vast manufacturing industry, which enables it to produce a wide range of goods at relatively low prices. This makes Chinese goods attractive to Nigerian consumers and businesses.

Nigeria and China also have a strong bilateral trade relationship as Nigeria is one of China’s top trading partners in Africa. Several trade agreements have been signed between the two countries and have established economic and trade cooperation zones in Nigeria to promote bilateral trade and investment.

Netherlands

According to a recent report by the United Nations Common Format for Transient Data Exchange (COMTRADE) database on international trade, Nigeria imports from the Netherlands amount to US$6.4 Billion in 2022.

The Netherlands is one of Nigeria’s most important import partners as a result of its highly developed country with a strong economy and a highly diversified range of exports which made its wide range of goods and services meet the needs of Nigerian consumers and businesses.

The Netherlands is one of the major suppliers of raw materials and machinery to Nigeria. Dutch companies are also active in the Nigerian oil and gas sector, providing equipment and expertise for exploration, drilling, and production.

Additionally, Nigeria imports some agricultural products, such as dairy, meat, and vegetables from the Netherlands, which are important inputs for Nigerian food processing companies.

The Nigerian government has implemented policies that promote trade with the Netherlands, such as the Nigeria-Netherlands Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT), which provides legal protection for Dutch investors in Nigeria and promotes bilateral trade and investment among the two countries.

United States

The United States is one of Nigeria’s most important import partners as a result of its vast range of products and services. The country is one highest producer of goods and services globally which makes it easy to trade with several countries including Nigeria.

Observatory Economic Complexity (OEC) recorded that in December 2022, Nigeria imports amounted to $200M from the United States.

Some of Nigeria’s top imports from the United States include machinery, transportation equipment, chemical products, mineral fuels, and food products. These imports are essential to Nigeria’s economic development, as they are used to fuel industries, power transportation, and provide necessary resources for the Nigerian population.

All in all, the United States is an important import partner for Nigeria, and the two countries have a strong and mutually beneficial economic relationship.

Belgium

One of Nigeria’s most important import partners is Belgium. The two countries have a strong trading relationship, with Nigeria importing a variety of products and services from Belgium.

At the end of 2022, OEC reported that the top imports of Nigeria from Belgium  were Mineral fuels, mineral oils and products (€50M), Cars, tractors, trucks $ parts (€3.82M)  Pharmaceutical products (€2.27M), Products of the milling industry (€1.9M), and Chemical products (€1.67M). 

The strong economic ties between Nigeria and Belgium have contributed to the growth and development of both countries. While Nigeria benefits from a reliable source of high-quality imports and expertise, Belgium has access to a large and growing market in Africa.

Nigeria’s top imports from Belgium include machinery, chemical products, pharmaceuticals, plastics, and food products. These imports are critical to Nigeria’s economic development, as they are used to fuel industries, provide medical supplies, and feed the population.

India

Nigeria and India have a strong trading relationship and it is one of Nigeria’s most important partners. India is also an important source of expertise and technology for Nigeria. Many Nigerian businesses rely on Indian companies for advanced manufacturing technologies.

India is Nigeria’s biggest trading partner in Africa, with a trade volume of about $16.35 billion in the past years. Nigeria’s top imports from India include machinery, pharmaceuticals, chemical products, textiles, and food products. 

India is also an important source of expertise and technology for Nigeria. Many Nigerian businesses rely on Indian companies for advanced manufacturing technologies.