Egyptian workers assist with train operations to support Sudanese refugees returning home.
Despite looming US tariffs on Nigerian exports to the US, Nigeria’s crude oil remains a transatlantic staple, with the US importing $1.34 billion worth between January and May 2025. This figure represents over 62% of its African crude intake. Despite this, overall trade between the two countries is shifting amid the new US trade policies. For one, Nigeria’s non-oil exports slumped within the same period, while US exports—especially vehicles—rose, reversing Nigeria’s once-positive trade balance. By May, America had a $295 million surplus. Meanwhile, Egypt surged ahead of Nigeria as the leading African export destination for US goods, while South Africa retains its status as the leading source of African exports to the US. As global trade realigns, Nigeria’s overreliance on oil and under-diversified economy may threaten its competitiveness in US–Africa trade going forward.
Nairametrics