Nigeria’s Trade Edges Up as Import and Export Prices Record Modest Gains in Q4 2025

Published By Eloyi Matthew On Apr 14, 2026

Nigeria’s Trade Edges Up as Import and Export Prices Record Modest Gains in Q4 2025

By Matthew Eloyi

In a period marked by subtle but notable shifts in global trade dynamics, Nigeria recorded a marginal increase in both import and export prices in the fourth quarter of 2025, signaling cautious momentum in the nation’s external trade performance.

According to the latest report released in Abuja by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the All-commodity group import index rose by an average of 0.11 per cent during the quarter. The bureau attributed this uptick primarily to rising import costs in key sectors, including paper-making materials, paper and paperboard products, textiles, mineral products, and articles derived from stone, cement, and related materials.

The report also highlighted a similar trend on the export front. Nigeria’s All-commodity group export price index recorded a 0.12 per cent increase, driven largely by higher prices in miscellaneous manufactured goods, as well as vehicles, aircraft, vessels, and their components. Additional contributors included base metals, plastics, rubber, and associated products.

Despite these increases, the country’s overall Terms of Trade (TOT), a critical measure comparing export prices to import prices, registered only a slight rise of 0.01 per cent. This modest gain reflects a near balance between the cost of imports and the value of exports during the period.

Regionally, Nigeria experienced a broad-based increase in trade indices. Export prices rose across most global markets, with the exception of Oceania, while import prices increased from all regions. Consequently, the All-region terms of trade also edged up by 0.01 per cent, underscoring a stable but restrained improvement in trade conditions.

The NBS report further identified Nigeria’s top export destinations for the quarter, naming The Netherlands, India, Spain, France, and Canada as key markets for Nigerian goods.

While the increases recorded remain modest, analysts suggest they reflect underlying resilience in Nigeria’s trade sector amid fluctuating global economic conditions. As policymakers continue to monitor these trends, attention will likely focus on sustaining export growth while managing import costs to strengthen the country’s trade balance.