U.S. vehicle exports are falling globally, but one African country is buying more than ever, spending $602 million

Recent reports show that Africa’s most populous market, Nigeria, dramatically increased its imports of automobiles and automotive components from the United States in the first five months of 2026.

According to data from the United States Census Bureau and the Bureau of Economic Analysis, Nigeria imported $602 million worth of vehicles and automotive parts between January and May 2026, compared with $426 million in the same period in 2025, representing a 41.3% year-over-year gain.

The data, as seen in the Punch, show that the vast majority of imports were passenger automobiles.

Figures highlighting Nigeria’s car imports from the US

Shipments of automobiles from the United States increased by 45.5% to $454 million, up from $312 million last year.