In the second quarter of 2023, imports from China to Nigeria surged to an impressive N1,269.41 billion. During this period, Nigerian wholesalers increasingly sourced things to import from China to Nigeria through major online marketplaces such as Aliexpress and Alibaba.
The high demand for importation is driven by the affordability of these items, creating lucrative opportunities for reselling in Nigeria. As interest grows in importing things from China to Nigeria, this guide highlights the top-selling products that are ideal for importation into the Nigerian market.
Overview: Importing from China to Nigeria
Since 2009, China has been the world’s largest exporter of goods, with exports reaching an impressive $3.85 trillion in 2023. To maximize the efficiency of your import business, positioning China as an importer of cheap goods is the best choice. The typical import process involves sourcing inexpensive products from China and selling them at a higher margin in Nigeria.
China offers a wide array of affordable and fast-moving products. However, where “Chinco” may be associated with counterfeit goods—it’s crucial to exercise caution when selecting products. Before making a purchase, examine thoroughly product images and reviews, verify the market value, and assess the product’s sales history. Additionally, ensure you are well informed about crucial import terms such as freight weight, shipping costs, customs duties, delivery times, and the importation process.
The Benefits of importing from china to Nigeria
Starting an importation business offers numerous advantages but also comes with its challenges. It’s advisable to begin with foundational knowledge and gain practical experience as you progress.
Here are the key benefits of importing highly profitable products from China to sell in Nigeria:
Low-priced products
The affordability of products is the primary motivator driving wholesalers to import goods from China for sale here. Many profitable items from China are available at relatively low prices.
For instance, in the image below, you’ll find earrings listed on Aliexpress for N420. By importing them to Nigeria, you could sell them for N2000, yielding a profit of N1700 per pair. That’s life-changing for many Nigerians.
Low business Cost
If you’re looking to start an online business in Nigeria on a tight budget, importing goods can be an excellent strategy because it eliminates the need for production costs. However, it’s important to account for additional expenses such as shipping, customs clearance, taxes, and transportation.
Moreover, manufacturing these products locally can be much more expensive than importing them. An intelligent approach is to have customers cover the shipping costs. In such cases, focus on lighter-weight products, as the product’s weight often determines shipping fees.
Maximizing Profit Margins
Importing goods from China offers significant profit potential. However, it’s crucial to calculate your profits after accounting for all associated costs. If your selling price is at or below the market value compared to competitors, you’re likely running a profitable business. This is especially true when the product is both high in demand and practical.
Expansive Product Selection
An importation business allows you to offer an extensive range of products without limitation. With access to numerous manufacturers across various marketplaces, you can choose to sell anything from jewellery to sneakers—it’s entirely up to you!
Most Profitable Things to Import from China to Nigeria
In the following section, we will explore some of the most profitable items to consider importing from China to Nigeria. These include a variety of products such as fashion items, furniture, appliances, and more. Discover the details below.
Fashion Items
The most successful products to sell or import are those that meet essential, ongoing needs. Clothing, shoes, jackets, coats, underwear, and accessories like sunglasses are always in demand. However, it’s crucial to consider local preferences and needs; for example, selling coats in Nigeria may not be practical due to the climate.
If you’re interested in fashion items imported from China to Nigeria, here are some good ideas for getting started. One advantage is that you can launch your business by offering pre-order purchases, minimizing initial inventory costs.
Here are some suggestions for everyday clothing for both women and men:
| Categories | Women’s Wear | Men’s Wear |
| Tops | Dresses, tees, blouses, shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, crop tops, swimwear, abaya, women’s hijabs, bodysuits, tanks & camis, coats & jackets, sweaters | Hoodies & sweatshirts, t-shirts, shirts, casual shorts, men’s sets, jackets |
| Bottom | Leggings, skirts, shorts, jeans, pants & capris, plus size clothes, plus size dresses, plus size t-shirts, plus size sets, plus size outerwear, prom dresses, evening dresses, African clothing, cosplay costumes | bottoms, casual pants, sweatpants, cargo pants, jeans, harem pants, shorts |
| Underwear | panties, briefs, thongs, boyshorts, bikinis, hipsters, high-cut, seamless underwear | boxers, singlets, briefs, trunks, boxer briefs, thongs, jockstraps |
| Accessories | Handbag, necklace, gloves, hairpin, brooch, backpack, ring, wallet, belt, sunglasses, bracelet, earrings, scarf, watch, hat, headband, tote bag, anklet, choker, shawl | Watches, ties, cufflinks, belts, sunglasses, wallets, suspenders, money clips, collar stays, hats, scarves, tie clips, pocket squares, bracelets, rings, lapel pins, gloves, keychains, umbrellas, socks |
Sure, crop tops available on AliExpress are priced at N470, allowing for a potential profit margin of N1000 to N2000. This is quite remarkable!
Children’s Toys & Games
According to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade, Nigeria imported US$10.91 million worth of toys, games, and sports equipment from China in 2023.
| Baby Items | Children Toys |
| T-shirts, Dresses, Tops & T-shirts, Baby onesies, Baby clothing sets, Family wear, Hoodies & Sweatshirts, Hoodies & Sweatshirts, Jackets & Coats, Jackets & Coats, Jeans, Dresses, Sleepwear & Bathrobes, Sleepwear & Bathrobes, Maternity clothing, Children’s shoes, Baby first steps shoes, Baby accessories, Strollers, Electric breast pumps, Feeding supplies, Bedding, Baby chew toys, Baby & toddler toys, Mother and baby products, Baby keepsakes | remote control, RC helicopters, RC cars, RC quadcopter, action & toy figures, dolls, stuffed & plush animals, building & construction toys, blocks, model building toys, toys & hobbies, squeeze toys, diecasts & toy vehicles, game collection cards, stickers |
Laptops, Mobile Phones & Accessories
Importing electronic products into Nigeria can be quite challenging. If you’re considering starting this business, there are several factors you need to take into account. Firstly, the weight is the first thing you need to consider because it directly impacts your shipping costs.
It’s also important to source from suppliers who offer refund policies, as there have been instances where electronic products become faulty shortly after purchase.
Additionally, it would be best if you considered foreign exchange costs and customs duties. The electronic products business in Nigeria is highly profitable due to the booming tech market. Nowadays, many people aspire to become tech enthusiasts, so there is a strong demand for these products. However, you don’t need to start with significant devices. Selling popular computer parts and peripherals can help you generate profit.
What types of computer products can you import? You can begin with smartphones like iPhones and Android phones, but it’s essential to find reliable suppliers. Additionally, you can sell smaller items such as USB flash drives, smart watches, phone chargers, earpieces, earbuds, wireless mice, hard drives, and more.
The earbuds shown in the image are priced at $0.69, equivalent to approximately N700. This suggests a significant profit potential in the business, especially since there is high demand among young consumers. With a good quality product, you can expect to earn profits ranging from N2000 to N3000 per unit.
Additionally, portable phone chargers and power banks are excellent items to include in your product lineup. The monthly search volume for portable chargers is substantial, reaching 224,000 on Amazon and 320,000 on Google. This underscores the strong consumer interest in these products. Their lightweight nature also helps keep shipping costs manageable, further supporting the viability of this business venture.
Furniture
Furniture is a fundamental necessity in Nigerian households, integral to everyday life, and a cornerstone of home aesthetics.
Importing furniture from China to Nigeria presents a practical option despite its challenges, primarily related to weight considerations. However, sourcing furniture from China typically offers cost advantages compared to local manufacturers or wholesalers in Nigeria. China has emerged as a global leader in furniture manufacturing since 2004, boasting an extensive network of over 50,000 furniture manufacturers, making it a viable and potentially lucrative source for quality home furnishings.
Here are some profitable furniture ideas:
| Office Furniture | Home Furniture | Children’s Furniture | Living Room and Dining Furniture | Bedroom Furniture | Kitchen Furniture |
| Office desks | Sofas | Kids beds | sofa | wardrobe | Kitchen cabinets |
| Office chairs | Beds | Study desks for children | chairs | Dining sets | |
| Filing cabinets | Dining tables and chairs | tables | |||
| Conference tables | Wardrobes | dining chair and table |
Security and Tracking Gadgets
Nigeria is grappling with security challenges and rising crime rates, prompting citizens to seek effective ways to safeguard themselves. The prevalent theft of smartphones, vehicles, and laptops has underscored the importance of GPS trackers and CCTV cameras in locating stolen items.
Sealing Machines
Importing and selling sealing machines in Nigeria presents a substantial business opportunity, requiring a minimum startup budget of N500,000. These machines are essential tools used to package liquids, powders, granules, and food items into various containers such as pouches, paper bags, bottles, jars, cartons, and boxes. Manufacturers are the primary target customers for these versatile sealing machines.
Home & Appliances
More Nigerians would like to decorate their homes if they can afford it. The following are home items and appliances you can import from China.
| Decorations and Arts | Celebrations | Kitchen |
| Fabric & Sewing, Needlework & Crafts, Scrapbooking & Stamping, Painting by Numbers, Home Decor, Wall Decor, Vases, Figurines & Miniatures, Candles & Candlesticks, Home Textiles, Bedding, Blankets, Sofa Covers, Carpets | Events & Parties, Balloons, Artificial & Dried Flowers, Wedding Supplies, Home Organizers, Storage Boxes & Bins, Stands & Racks, Kitchen Organizers, Home Supplies, Umbrellas, Bathroom Accessories Sets, Cleaning Tools, Dust Covers | Kitchenware & Gadgets, Tableware, Cat Supplies, Furniture & Scratching Boards, Smart Pet Supplies, Furniture, Living Room Furniture, Office Furniture, Outdoor Furniture, Kitchen Furniture, Bakeware, Drinkware |
Household Utensils
These are the essentials that come to mind when mealtime approaches. A sophisticated cutlery set has a subtle charm, especially appealing to new families or newlywed couples, and offers considerable profit potential.
Here are excellent examples of household items with high-profit margins:
- Cookware Sets
- Cutlery Sets
- Kitchen Knives
- Pots and Pans
- Utensil Holders
- Baking Sheets and Pans
- Dish Drainers
- Dish Racks
- Kitchen Storage Containers
- Trash Bins
- Glassware
- Mugs and Cups
- Serving Trays
- Salt and Pepper Shakers
- Tea Kettles
Many of these items hold sentimental value and can be further enhanced through customization, making them perfect gifts for loved ones.
Chemicals
Stickers
Stickers are charming, affordable, and artistic items with broad appeal. On platforms like Amazon and Google, laptop stickers alone attract 33,000 and 14,000 monthly searches, respectively. Similarly, searches for water bottles and decorative stickers total 11,000 and 27,000 monthly on Google.
One of the most significant advantages of selling stickers is their compact size and flat shape, which allows for cost-effective shipping even when importing large quantities—over 1000 stickers can be shipped economically compared to bulkier items. These stickers are popular for personalizing laptops, water bottles, and notebooks, making them attractive to tech enthusiasts, children, and business owners who customize their belongings.
Moreover, stickers appeal to adults who appreciate art and enjoy embellishing their possessions with unique designs. You can source customized stickers from platforms like Alibaba for as little as $0.01 per sticker and resell them at a higher price, capitalizing on their widespread popularity and versatility.
Selfie Sticks and Tools for Creating
Selfie sticks and content creation tools are pivotal in today’s creator-driven social media landscape, making them ideal for an importation business. Google records 24,000 monthly searches for selfie sticks, underscoring their high demand.
The surge in smartphone capabilities has empowered users to capture high-quality images and videos, fueling this demand. Tripods range from basic extendable rods with gimbals to advanced models featuring Bluetooth controls and stabilization.
To stand out in the market, prioritize products with additional features such as integrated gimbals or remote shutter buttons. Lighting equipment like LED and ring lights is particularly appealing to makeup artists, nail technicians, and content creators, enhancing their ability to produce professional-quality content.
Haircare and Hair Products
Given the prevalence of natural and kinky hair among Nigerians, there is a growing demand for high-quality hair care products. Hair styling is a daily ritual for many, with women frequently braiding their hair and men visiting barbers regularly, highlighting the robust market.
From China, you can import a variety of hair and hair care products, including:
- Hair care essentials such as shampoo, relaxer, hair straightener, conditioner, and cutting combs.
- Different types of hair:
- Synthetic hair (made from artificial materials),
- Blended hair (a mix of human and synthetic fibres),
- 100% human hair (genuine human hair).
Among these, synthetic hair is the most affordable but typically has a shorter lifespan due to its lower quality. However, higher-quality synthetic options are available. Human hair, while more expensive, offers superior longevity.
Depending on your supplier, you can procure quality human hair for around N50,000 and sell it at a premium in Nigeria. This segment of the market presents lucrative opportunities for entrepreneurs aiming to meet the diverse hair care needs of Nigerian consumers.
Press-On Nails
Many women either have numerous events to attend or lack the time to visit a salon regularly. Therefore, they rely on press-on nails to quickly glam up for parties and other occasions.
The challenge lies in accommodating various nail bed sizes. Once you can address this, success in this business is within reach.
FAQ
How much is shipping fee from China to Nigeria?
Shipping from China to Nigeria usually costs around $7 per kg, subject to variations in the exchange rate. Additionally, customs clearance fees amount to approximately N500 per kg.
How to buy goods from China to Nigeria?
The primary platforms for importing products from China to Nigeria are marketplaces like Alibaba and Aliexpress. These platforms host a diverse array of Chinese manufacturers and suppliers who offer comprehensive product information and options.
How many hours from China to Nigeria by ship?
Shipping goods from China to Nigeria by sea usually requires a minimum transit time of 36 days and 21 hours. Ships depart from Yantian (CNYTN) and arrive at Apapa (NGAPP), with vessels scheduled along this route every two to four weeks.
