Top Trading Partners for Nigeria’s Imports in Q3 2025

Nigeria’s import market in the third quarter of 2025 remained strongly focused on a small group of global partners. 

Total imports for the quarter reached N161.23 trillion, showing how much Nigeria still relies on foreign goods due to weak local manufacturing and growing domestic demand.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), just ten countries supplied N12.76 trillion worth of imports combined, representing 7.91% of the country’s total import trade in Q3 2025. 

This is a 23.78% increase from the N10.31 trillion imported from the same group of countries in Q3 2024. Here’s a look at the top trading partners for Nigeria’s imports during this period:

China — N4.78 trillion

China remains Nigeria’s largest import partner by a wide margin. In Q3 2025, Nigeria imported N4.78 trillion worth of goods from China, showing continued reliance on machinery, telecom equipment, industrial chemicals, auto parts, and renewable-energy components.

Some of the top goods imported from China include:

• Bus and lorry tyres — N110.29 billion
  
• Telecom transmission machines — N105.46 billion
  
• Photovoltaic solar panels — N75.34 billion
  
• Road tractors for semi-trailers — N73.52 billion
  

China’s strong presence highlights how concentrated Nigeria’s import needs are, particularly in technology and industrial products. Any disruption in trade with China could quickly lead to higher prices and shortages of essential goods.

United States — N3.22 trillion

The United States ranked second, supplying N3.22 trillion worth of goods to Nigeria. Imports from the US were mainly crude petroleum, used vehicles, wheat, petrochemicals, and industrial materials.

Key imports from the US include:

• Crude petroleum oils — N2.31 trillion
  
• Used diesel vehicles (>2500cc) — N184.21 billion
  
• Durum wheat — N164.39 billion
  
• Used diesel vehicles (1500–2500cc) — N38.15 billion
  

This heavy reliance on the US for energy and industrial products emphasizes the need for Nigeria to diversify supply sources or boost local production.

India — N1.38 trillion

India maintained its position as Nigeria’s third-largest import partner, with imports totaling N1.38 trillion. India is an important source of pharmaceuticals, refined petroleum products, motorcycles, auto parts, agricultural machinery, and steel products.

Top imports from India include:

• Gas oil — N680.98 billion
  
• Other medicaments not elsewhere specified — N86.45 billion
  
• CKD motor vehicles — N55.43 billion
  
• CKD motorcycles — N41.90 billion
  

India’s role reflects Nigeria’s ongoing demand for both industrial and consumer goods.

United Arab Emirates — N790.66 billion

The UAE ranked fourth, supplying N790.66 billion worth of goods. The country acts as a major re-export hub, with Nigeria importing mainly refined petroleum, vehicles, construction equipment, agricultural machinery, and household items.

Top imports from UAE include:

• Gas oil — N581.79 billion
  
• Used diesel vehicles (>2500cc) — N13.67 billion
  
• Agricultural tractors — N13.48 billion
  
• CKD petrol vehicles — N12.68 billion
  

Belgium — N690.22 billion

Belgium remained an important European gateway for Nigeria, with imports valued at N690.22 billion. Key imports include petroleum products, pharmaceuticals, machinery, chemicals, and processed food items.

Top imports from Belgium include:

• Motor spirit (ordinary petrol) — N556.74 billion
  
• Malt (not roasted) — N8.41 billion
  
• Unused postage and revenue stamps — N8.01 billion
  
• Other mechanical appliances — N6.19 billion
  

The Q3 2025 data shows that Nigeria’s import trade is still highly concentrated in a few countries. Policymakers see this as a clear signal to strengthen local manufacturing in machinery, auto parts, plastics, and telecom hardware. 

At the same time, these imports offer opportunities for technology transfer and investment to gradually reduce dependence on foreign goods.

The Netherlands — N577.14 billion

The Netherlands became Nigeria’s sixth-largest import partner in Q3 2025, with imports valued at N577.14 billion.

The country plays an important role as a European trading and logistics hub. Nigeria mainly imported industrial machinery, refined petroleum products, and agricultural inputs from the Netherlands.

Some of the notable items imported include frozen fish products and industrial additives, which are widely used in food processing and manufacturing.

Top imports from the Netherlands include:

• Frozen jack and horse mackerel — N4.03 billion
  
• Frozen blue whiting fish meat — N23.82 billion
  
• Other additives for lubricating oils — N7.31 billion
  

Brazil — N395.90 billion

Brazil ranked seventh on Nigeria’s import list, exporting goods worth N395.90 billion in Q3 2025.

Trade between Nigeria and Brazil is largely driven by agriculture. Sugar made up the biggest share of imports, alongside industrial raw materials, tractors, and processed food products.

Top imports from Brazil include:

• Other salt not specified — N6.40 billion
  
• Cane sugar meant for sugar refinery — N247.91 billion
  

Brazil’s position shows Nigeria’s heavy reliance on imported sugar to meet local demand.

United Kingdom — N352.13 billion
The United Kingdom placed eighth, with Nigeria importing N352.13 billion worth of goods in the quarter.

The UK continues to supply a wide range of products, including pharmaceuticals, vehicle parts, beverages, machinery, and electrical equipment. This reflects long-standing trade ties between both countries.

One of the top imported items from the UK was:

• Other additives for lubricating oils — N24.85 billion
  

France — N289.79 billion

France ranked ninth, supplying N289.79 billion worth of goods to Nigeria in Q3 2025. Imports from France covered chemicals, power-sector equipment, automobiles, and luxury consumer goods. This shows France’s role in meeting both Nigeria’s industrial and consumer needs.

The single largest import from France was food-related, highlighting strong demand in Nigeria’s food and beverage sector.

Top import from France includes:

• Preparations of milk containing vegetable fats and oils — N5.03 billion
  

Germany — N279.82 billion

Germany completed the top ten list, with imports totaling N279.82 billion in Q3 2025. Nigeria mainly imported vehicles, machine tools, electrical systems, and industrial components from Germany. 

These products are essential for manufacturing, construction, and power projects across the country.

Top imports from Germany include:

• Sheets for veneering — N43.1 million
  
• Other salt not specified — N78.45 million
  
• Frozen blue whiting fish meat — N5.99 billion
  

Together, these ten countries supplied N12.76 trillion worth of goods to Nigeria in Q3 2025, showing how concentrated the country’s import trade remains.