The United States has raked a $576 million trade surplus with Nigeria in the first half of 2025, reversing a deficit of $779 million in the same period of 2024.
This was contained in latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Bureau of Economic Analysis revealing stronger American exports into Nigeria and weaker Nigerian shipments to the U.S.
This marks a significant turnaround in U.S.–Nigeria trade relations, driven largely by higher U.S. exports into the Nigerian market and a moderation in imports from Africa’s biggest crude exporter.
Between January and June 2025, U.S. exports to Nigeria rose by 41% year-on-year, climbing from $2.36 billion in H1 2024 to $3.34 billion in H1 2025. Imports moved in the opposite direction, falling 12% from $3.14 billion to $2.76 billion. This swing of over $1.3 billion transformed Nigeria from a deficit position to a net surplus partner for Washington.
This is as international postal services are suspending shipments to the United States after an exemption on tariff duties for small packages is set to expire. It’s the latest example of how President Donald Trump’s sweeping trade policy is impacting US consumers and businesses.Beginning Friday, the “de minimis” exemption, which allowed shipments of goods worth $800 or less to enter the United States duty free, will be eliminated.
It’s another blow to the exemption that provided a loophole for e-commerce giants: In May, the Trump administration suspended the rule on packages coming from China and Hong Kong hurting low-cost sellers like Shein and Temu.
European and Asian postal services have taken matters into their own hands by announcing plans to halt shipments as early as Monday.
Singapore’s SingPost and India’s Department of Posts said they will also temporarily suspend some shipments to the United States.
International postal service DHL said August 25 will be the last day it accepts shipments to the United States, joining European peers in halting shipments, including the Austrian Post, which will stop accepting shipments to the United States on August 26