US-Nigeria Trade Dynamics Shift, Yielding $1.45 Billion Surplus for Washington
In a significant reversal of trade flows, the United States recorded a $1.45 billion goods trade surplus with Nigeria in the first ten months of 2025. This marks a decisive shift from the $1.367 billion deficit recorded during the same period in 2024, according to official data from the U.S. Census Bureau. The turnaround was driven by a sharp increase in American exports coupled with a decline in imports from Nigeria, reflecting evolving bilateral economic patterns.
From January to October 2025, U.S. goods exports to Nigeria surged to $5.94 billion, a substantial increase of $2.23 billion or 60.2% from the $3.71 billion exported in the same 2024 period. Conversely, imports from Nigeria fell to $4.49 billion, down $582 million or 11.5% from the $5.07 billion imported the previous year. This combination resulted in the notable $1.45 billion surplus. The positive trend was consistent on a monthly basis, with October 2025 alone showing a $162 million surplus, a stark contrast to the $103 million deficit in October 2024.
While the broader U.S. trade relationship with Africa remained in deficit to the tune of $3.74 billion, Nigeria emerged as a prominent exception. The nation’s $1.447 billion surplus with the U.S. effectively offset close to 28% of America’s trade shortfall with the rest of the continent. Within Africa, only Egypt provided a larger surplus for Washington at $5.43 billion. Nigeria ranked second, ahead of other major economies like Algeria and South Africa, the latter of which continued to weigh heavily with a $9.22 billion deficit against the U.S.
The data underscores Nigeria’s pivotal role in U.S.-Africa trade, accounting for approximately 11.9% of total U.S. imports from the continent in the ten-month period. This economic shift occurs amidst varied regional news, from reports on cultists kill FUO to the festive anticipation of Detty December gets underway. In the business sector, initiatives like TD Africa backs new tech ventures highlight ongoing investment, while stories such as the late Akingboye’s son assuming a leadership role reflect broader societal and corporate transitions. These developments, alongside major political events globally—reminiscent of 5 times Donald Trump’s policies impacted markets—form the complex backdrop against which such significant trade rebalancing occurs.
