US imports of Nigerian goods decreased by $527m in the first five months of 2025
Data from the US Census Bureau and the Bureau of Economic Analysis reveal that Nigeria’s exports to the United States dropped by $527 million during January–May 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, a near 20 percent decline from $2.65 billion to $2.12 billion. The steep fall is linked to the “Liberation Day” tariff regime introduced on April 2 by US President Donald Trump—10 percent general tariffs and a 14 percent rate specifically on Nigerian goods.
Although crude oil exports—Nigeria’s main export—were exempt, imports of Nigerian crude dropped from 20.4 million barrels (≈$1.52 billion) to 17.39 million barrels (≈$1.34 billion) during the period. Meanwhile, non‑oil sectors, including agriculture and manufacturing, felt the strain from introduced uncertainty.
Nigeria shifted from running a US trade deficit of $596 million in Jan–May 2024 to a US surplus of $295 million in the same period this year. Observers warn this trade reversal highlights Nigeria’s persistent over‑reliance on crude exports amid rising global trade tensions.