Nigeria Supplies Over 52% of Africa’s Oil to the U.S. Despite Sharp Decline in American Imports
Half of Africa’s crude oil exports to the United States are now coming from a single country, Nigeria, even as overall American imports from the continent continue to decline.
According to the latest ‘U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services’ report released by the U.S. Census Bureau, Nigeria accounted for 52% of Africa’s total crude oil exports to the U.S. in 2025, reinforcing its position as the continent’s dominant supplier to the American market.
U.S. Cuts Back on African Crude
The report shows that total U.S. crude oil imports from Africa fell significantly year-on-year. In 2025, the U.S. imported 89.371 million barrels from African producers, down from 103.631 million barrels in 2024, a decline of 14.26 million barrels, representing a 13.8% drop.
The reduction suggests a softer demand outlook for African crude in the U.S. or a possible shift in sourcing strategies toward other oil-producing regions.
Despite the broader continental decline, Nigeria maintained its leadership position.
Nigeria Strengthens Its Share
Nigeria exported 46.618 million barrels of crude oil to the United States in 2025, compared to 50.793 million barrels in 2024, a decrease of 4.175 million barrels (8.2%).
However, while Nigeria’s total export volume fell, its share of Africa’s exports to the U.S. increased from 49% in 2024 to 52.2% in 2025. This means that even as overall African shipments declined, Nigeria captured a larger slice of the reduced export volume.
The data highlights Nigeria’s continued strategic importance to U.S. energy supply chains, despite ongoing challenges in its oil sector, including crude oil theft and infrastructure disruptions.
Revenue Impact: A Sharper Decline in Value
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The downturn was even more pronounced in monetary terms.
Using the C.I.F. (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) valuation, which reflects the total landed cost of petroleum at U.S. ports, Africa’s overall crude export value dropped from $8.945 billion in 2024 to $6.816 billion in 2025. That represents a $2.129 billion decline, or 23.8% year-on-year.
For Nigeria specifically:
Customs value declined from $4.365 billion in 2024 to $3.451 billion in 2025.
Nigeria’s C.I.F. value stood at approximately $3.545 billion in 2025.
The figures underscore the combined effect of lower export volumes and fluctuating global oil prices on export earnings.
U.S.–Nigeria Trade Balance Tilts in America’s Favor
Beyond crude oil, broader trade relations between Nigeria and the United States shifted further in favor of Washington in 2025.
According to the report, the United States recorded a $1.79 billion trade surplus with Nigeria.
U.S. exports to Nigeria: $6.79 billion
U.S. imports from Nigeria: $4.99 billion
American exports, including machinery, refined petroleum products, agricultural goods, and manufactured items, significantly outpaced Nigerian exports to the U.S.
The data signals that while Nigeria remains a crucial crude oil supplier to the United States, overall trade dynamics are increasingly weighted in America’s favor.
As global energy markets evolve and the U.S. adjusts its import strategies, Nigeria’s ability to maintain, or expand, its dominance in African oil exports to the American market will remain closely watched.
