Nigeria?s trade relations with the United States have come under renewed scrutiny as political tensions rise between Abuja and Washington.

Nigeria?s trade relations with the United States have come under renewed attention following President Donald Trump?s recent threat to suspend aid to Nigeria over allegations of Christian persecution.

Recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) show that the U.S. emerged as Nigeria?s sixth-largest export destination in the second quarter of 2025, accounting for N1.4 trillion worth of exports.

While Washington?s rhetoric has stirred unease within diplomatic circles, new trade data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) suggest that the U.S. remains an important though declining economic partner.

According to NBS figures for the second quarter of 2025, the U.S. ranked as Nigeria?s sixth-largest export destination, with total exports valued at ?1.4 trillion during the period. Oil accounted for nearly 68 percent of these exports, while non-oil goods such as agricultural products, textiles, and manufactured items made up only 1.9 percent.

Despite Trump?s decision earlier this year to raise Nigeria?s import tariff by one percentage point to 15 percent, the effective rate remains low because crude oil imports are exempted.

Trump?s threat has stirred unease in Nigeria?s economic circles, with experts warning that it could erode investor confidence and discourage potential investors from entering the market. Dr. Muda Yusuf, Director of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), cautioned that the remarks could weaken confidence and raise Nigeria?s economic risk profile.

?Trump?s threat, if sustained, could weaken investor confidence and heighten Nigeria?s economic risk profile. It sends a negative signal to the market at a time when the economy is already struggling with foreign exchange shortages, weak reserves, and rising debt.? He noted.

Recent data reflects these concerns, as Nigeria?s dollar bonds have fallen sharply amid the recent diplomatic disputes.

However, figures from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) suggest a possible lifeline, showing that Nigeria?s export sector remains resilient thanks to strong trade relations with countries outside the United States.

Europe and Asia tighten their grip on Nigerian exports

The United States remains one of Nigeria?s most important economic partners, with bilateral trade in goods and services totaling about $13 billion in 2024, according to data from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.

However, recent figures show a notable shift in Nigeria?s export landscape, as Spain, India, France, the Netherlands, and Canada have all overtaken the U.S. as leading export destinations.

Spain now ranks as the largest buyer, importing nearly ?2.5 trillion worth of goods, mostly crude oil and liquefied natural gas, highlighting how Nigeria?s trade links have increasingly tilted toward Europe and Asia despite its long-standing commercial ties with Washington.

India, long one of Nigeria?s biggest energy customers, continues to expand its purchase volume amid efforts to diversify supply chains away from the Middle East. France and the Netherlands, both major European refining hubs, have also increased imports because of energy shortages in the Eurozone.

Meanwhile, Canada?s inclusion in the top five reflects growing energy cooperation with Nigeria, particularly in the gas sector. This diversification has revealed the Nigerian government's shift toward new trade partners as geopolitical tensions reshape global energy markets.

While the U.S. still accounts for around 6 percent of Nigeria?s total exports, its influence has steadily waned over the past decade, largely because of America?s shale oil revolution, which reduced its dependence on African crude.

Trump?s renewed aid threat, rooted in human rights and religious freedom concerns, adds another layer of complexity to the bilateral relationship.

For now, analysts suggest that any American action to curb imports or aid would have limited immediate economic impact, as Nigeria?s expanding ties with Europe and Asia continue to provide a crucial buffer against Washington?s diplomatic pressure. (Business Inside Africa)

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