Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, says China is open to expanding its imports of Nigerian goods as part of a broader initiative to enhance trade between the two countries.
The ambassador stated this on Friday in Abuja during a press conference to address the arbitrary tariffs imposed on several countries by the United States.
Yu said China and Nigeria are key trade partners, with bilateral trade exceeding $22 billion in 2024, ranking among the highest in Africa.
“China and Nigeria are key trade partners, with bilateral trade consistently reaching around $22 billion, one of the highest figures in Africa. Following last year’s agreement on Nigerian peanut exports to China, we remain open to further expanding imports of Nigerian goods, indicating promising prospects for future economic cooperation,” the envoy stated.
He noted that Nigeria holds a significant influence as Africa’s most populous country, a major economy, and a leading voice of the Global South, and China is committed to working with the Nigerian government to implement agreements reached by both leaders during the 2024 FOCAC summit in Beijing.
“China stands ready to collaborate with Nigeria to implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Summit and the consensus between our leaders, deepening mutually beneficial collaboration,” he said.
“Together, we will uphold the multilateral trading system, resist protectionism, and foster an open, inclusive, and fair international environment.
“Our shared goal is to advance an equal and orderly multipolar world and promote universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, building a community with a shared future for humanity.”
The ambassador dismissed any likely negative impact of the US tariff on China-Africa trade relations, insisting that China is a reliable partner for Africa that is trustworthy, mature, and steadfast.
He stated that China has pledged to unilaterally expand market access, granting zero-tariff treatment to 100% of product categories for all least-developed countries with diplomatic ties to China, including 33 African nations.
“This demonstrates China’s concrete efforts to turn its vast market into tangible opportunities for Africa,” he added.
