Nigeria’s crude oil exports to the United States rebounded sharply in May as American refiners stepped up overseas purchases, offering fresh evidence that higher global oil prices and renewed demand for light sweet crude are reviving one of Nigeria’s traditional export markets.
Data obtained from the US Census Bureau show the US imported 2.36 million barrels of Nigerian crude in May, up 149.4 percent from 946,000 barrels in April.
The customs value of the imports climbed to $279.8 million, compared with $85.2 million a month earlier, reflecting both stronger buying and firmer crude prices.
Brent crude oil prices in May 2026 started the month around $116.10 per barrel but fell sharply to close the month at $92.05 per barrel. This monthly drop of over 19 percent was largely driven by hopes of a US-Iran agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
The recovery coincided with a broader increase in US crude imports. According to the latest US International Trade in Goods and Services report, US crude oil imports rose by $1.5 billion in May, making crude one of the largest contributors to a $12.3 billion increase in overall goods imports.
Also, imports of industrial supplies and materials rose by $3.1 billion during the month, with crude oil accounting for nearly half of the increase.
The rebound marks a turnaround after Nigerian shipments to the US weakened for two consecutive months. Imports fell from 4.637 million barrels in February to 1.54 million barrels in March before sliding further to April’s low of 946,000 barrels.
Despite the volatility, the US imported 11.15 million barrels of Nigerian crude worth approximately $926.6 million between January and May, underlining Nigeria’s continued relevance as a supplier of premium light sweet crude grades to the world’s largest economy.
“Buyers will naturally diversify away,” said Muda Yusuf, Director/Chief Executive Officer, Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE).
The increase comes as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to reshape global crude trade flows. Heightened concerns over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz have lifted international oil prices and prompted refiners to diversify supply sources, increasing the appeal of Atlantic Basin producers such as Nigeria.
Nigerian grades, including Bonny Light, Qua Iboe, and Escravos, remain attractive to US Gulf Coast refiners due to their low sulphur content and high yields of gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel.
Although the US has become one of the world’s largest oil producers, many of its refineries continue to import specific crude grades that complement domestic production.
The stronger US demand also comes as Nigeria has gradually restored crude production through improved security in the Niger Delta and intensified efforts to curb oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
Higher production has enabled exporters to capitalise on stronger international prices and increased demand from overseas buyers.
For Nigeria, the renewed US buying provides an additional revenue boost at a time when crude oil remains the country’s largest source of foreign exchange and government income.
Sustained demand from the US, alongside robust purchases from Europe and Asia, could help support export earnings if global oil prices remain elevated.
However, analysts cautioned that Nigeria’s share of the US market remains vulnerable to changing refinery economics, domestic shale output and shifts in global trade flows.
While May’s rebound is significant, export volumes are still well below February’s peak, suggesting that US demand remains opportunistic rather than structural.
