Motor vehicle and parts imports from the US rose 41.3 per cent in five months, as passenger cars drove stronger demand amid improved foreign exchange access

Nigeria imported motor vehicles and automotive parts worth $602 million from the United States between January and May 2026, representing a 41.3 per cent increase from the $426 million recorded during the same period in 2025, according to the latest data from the US Census Bureau and the US Bureau of Economic Analysis.

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The rise in Nigeria US vehicle imports was driven primarily by passenger cars, highlighting stronger demand for American vehicles and parts as foreign exchange conditions improved and exchange rate volatility eased.

Passenger cars accounted for the largest share of the shipments, with US exports to Nigeria rising to $454 million in the first five months of 2026 from $312 million in the corresponding period of 2025.

The figure represents a 45.5 per cent year-on-year increase.

Automotive parts also recorded strong growth, with exports climbing to $122 million from $86 million, representing a 41.9 per cent increase.

However, the trend was different for trucks, buses and special-purpose vehicles. Exports in that category declined by 10.3 per cent, falling to $26 million from $29 million recorded in the same period of 2025.

The monthly figures showed a slight moderation in May, when Nigeria imported $124 million worth of motor vehicles and parts from the US, compared with $131 million in April.

Passenger car imports fell to $93 million in May from $98 million the previous month, while imports of trucks, buses and special-purpose vehicles declined marginally from $7 million to $6 million.

Automotive parts imports remained unchanged at $26 million in both months.

Despite the month-on-month decline, the May figures represented significant growth compared with the same month in 2025.

Total US exports of motor vehicles and parts to Nigeria rose by 30.5 per cent from $95 million in May 2025 to $124 million in May 2026.

Passenger car imports increased by 32.9 per cent over the period, rising from $70 million to $93 million, while automotive parts shipments grew by 36.8 per cent from $19 million to $26 million.

Imports of trucks, buses and special-purpose vehicles, however, slipped from $7 million in May 2025 to $6 million a year later.

The increase in Nigeria’s vehicle imports comes against a broader decline in US automotive exports globally.

The data showed that total US exports of motor vehicles and parts to all destinations stood at $66.08 billion between January and May 2026, down 4.7 per cent from $69.32 billion recorded during the corresponding period of 2025.

Passenger car exports fell to $19.52 billion from $22.04 billion, while exports of trucks, buses and special-purpose vehicles edged up slightly to $10.99 billion from $10.94 billion.

Automotive parts remained the largest export category despite a modest decline, with shipments falling to $35.56 billion from $36.33 billion in the same period of 2025.

Canada was the largest destination for US motor vehicle and parts exports during the five-month period, receiving goods valued at $24.70 billion.

Mexico followed with $16.83 billion, while Germany ranked third with $3.72 billion.

Within Africa, Nigeria emerged as the leading destination for US automotive exports covered by the data, with imports valued at $602 million. South Africa followed with $313 million during the first five months of the year.

The increase in vehicle imports also mirrors a broader recovery in vehicle traffic through Nigerian ports.

The Nigerian Ports Authority recently reported that the number of vehicles handled across the country’s ports rose to 58,870 units in the first quarter of 2026, up from 35,262 units in the corresponding period of 2025.

The 67 per cent increase was disclosed in the NPA’s Q1 2026 Operational Performance Review.

“Vehicle traffic also emerged as a major growth area, with total vehicle units handled rising sharply by 67 per cent to 58,870 units during the quarter, compared to 35,262 units in the same period last year,” the NPA said.

The figures point to a notable revival in vehicle import activity after a period in which exchange rate instability and limited access to foreign exchange placed considerable pressure on importers and consumers.

Analysts have attributed the renewed momentum partly to greater exchange rate stability and improved access to foreign exchange, although the cost of imported vehicles remains high for many Nigerian consumers.

The increase also comes as Nigeria continues to grapple with the wider economic implications of imported vehicles, including pressure on household purchasing power and demand for foreign currency.

For importers, however, the latest figures suggest that improved access to foreign exchange may be helping to unlock some pent-up demand.

The strong growth in passenger car and automotive parts imports, alongside the sharp increase in vehicle units handled at Nigerian ports, provides a positive signal for trade activity.

Yet the continued high cost of vehicles means that stronger import volumes do not necessarily translate into greater affordability for ordinary Nigerian buyers.

Also read: Nigeria Dominates US Crude Imports Despite Export Decline

The data ultimately paints a picture of a recovering automotive import market, with Nigeria emerging as the largest African destination for US vehicles and parts during the period, even as global US automotive exports experienced a modest decline.