Metal ore exports from Nigeria: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, Nigeria exported metal ore worth $7.9 million (4.3 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. That is 118% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 18% a year on average.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $7.9M | 4.3K t |
| 2023 | $3.6M | 2.1K t |
| 2022 | $5.7M | 3.7K t |
| 2021 | $2.3M | 1.8K t |
| 2020 | $2.2M | 1.7K t |
| 2019 | $2.7M | 2.0K t |
| 2018 | $2.9M | 2.1K t |
| 2017 | $2.4M | 1.8K t |
Where Nigeria exports metal ore to
China alone took 98% of it. Among the main buyer markets, China grew fastest (+123% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $7.8M | 98% |
| Hong Kong | $134K | 1.7% |
| Taiwan | $3K | 0% |
| Canada | $1K | 0% |
| South Africa | $0K | 0% |
| Netherlands | $0K | 0% |
Product types under HS 2617
| 2617.90 | Metal ore (other types) | 99% |
| 2617.10 | Antimony ore | 0.6% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 2617.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.86 per kg, 46% above the world average of $1.27. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Who is behind these numbers in Nigeria?
The shipment records behind Nigeria metal ore exports (HS 2617): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Direct customs feed: shipment-level records from the official customs source.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 2617: Ores and concentrates; n.e.c. in heading no. 2601.
Common questions
What is the value of metal ore exported by Nigeria?
Nigeria exported metal ore worth $7.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 4.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 18th of 129 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was up 118% on 2023.
Which countries buy metal ore from Nigeria?
China was the largest buyer with 98% of the value ($7.8 million), followed by Hong Kong (2%) and Taiwan (0%). The top three together account for 100%, out of 6 buyer countries in total. Canada grew fastest among the top ten, up 772% on the year.
What is the average export price of metal ore per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.86 per kg in 2024, 46% above the world average of $1.27 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of metal ore from Nigeria changed since 2017?
Exports went from $2.4 million in 2017 to $7.9 million in 2024, an increase of 227%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $3.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for metal ore?
The HS code for metal ore is heading 2617. In Nigeria the largest six-digit codes were 2617.90 (99% of the value) and 2617.10 (1%).
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Shipment-level records for Nigeria reach EximDataX from a direct customs feed, with company names, dates and declared values. We can show them for your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
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