Nigeria’s agricultural sector continues to play a strong role in driving export earnings and supporting economic growth. In the third quarter (Q3) of 2025, agricultural exports generated a total value of ₦782,421.62 million, reflecting steady global demand for Nigeria’s key farm products. Cocoa and its derivatives remained dominant, while other cash crops such as cashew nuts and sesame seeds also made notable contributions.
According to NBS, Foreign Trade in Goods Statistics for Q3 of 2025, here are the top 5 main agricultural exports in Q3, 2025
Standard quality Cocoa beans – N254,125.57 Million
Standard quality cocoa beans remained Nigeria’s largest agricultural export in Q3 2025, accounting for 32.48% of total agricultural export value. Nigeria contributes about 6.5% of global cocoa exports, reinforcing its strategic role in the international cocoa market.
In terms of destination markets, Belgium emerged as the largest importer of Nigeria’s standard quality cocoa beans, purchasing beans valued at ₦108,271.30 million, which reflects Belgium’s strong cocoa-processing and chocolate manufacturing industry. This was followed by the Netherlands, which imported ₦67,680.30 million, leveraging its position as a major European trade and re-export hub. Turkey imported cocoa beans worth ₦30,713.13 million, while Malaysia and Canada recorded import values of ₦14,705.58 million and ₦13,749.87 million, respectively.
These exports fall under Grade II cocoa classification, which includes beans with a maximum of 4% mould by count, up to 8% slaty beans resulting from incomplete fermentation, as well as germinated and insect-damaged beans. Despite these characteristics, strong international demand continues due to reliable supply volumes and competitive pricing.
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Supper quantity cocoa bean – N193,963.47 Million
Superior quality cocoa beans ranked as the second most valuable agricultural export in Q3 2025, contributing 24.79% of total agricultural export earnings. These beans are classified as Grade I cocoa, meeting higher international quality standards with a maximum mould content of 3% and slaty beans limited to 3%, making them suitable for premium cocoa and chocolate production.
The Netherlands led as the top destination for superior quality cocoa beans, importing ₦79,316.33 million, driven by strong demand from European cocoa processors. Malaysia followed with imports valued at ₦33,361.72 million, reflecting Asia’s growing cocoa processing capacity. Belgium imported ₦31,197.37 million, while Indonesia recorded imports worth ₦25,316.35 million, highlighting increasing demand within Southeast Asia. Canada also remained a key market, importing superior quality cocoa beans valued at ₦14,351.46 million.
These trade flows underline Nigeria’s ability to supply high-grade cocoa beans to both traditional European markets and fast-growing Asian economies..
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Natural cocoa butter – N87,815.92 million
Natural cocoa butter contributed 11.22% of Nigeria’s agricultural export value in Q3 2025, generating ₦87,815.92 million in revenue. Nigeria remains one of the leading global producers of cocoa butter, benefiting from value-added cocoa processing within the country.
Export demand for natural cocoa butter was heavily concentrated in Germany, which imported cocoa butter worth ₦78,998.84 million, making it by far the largest market. This reflects Germany’s strong confectionery, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries. The Netherlands followed with imports valued at ₦6,984.40 million, while South Africa imported cocoa butter worth ₦1,832.69 million, supporting regional trade within Africa.
Cocoa butter production is mainly concentrated in southwestern Nigeria and is widely used in chocolate manufacturing, as well as in skincare and cosmetic products, where demand continues to rise globally.
Cashew nuts in shell – N58,800.50 million
Cashew nuts in shell ranked as Nigeria’s fourth most exported agricultural product by value in Q3 2025, generating ₦58,800.50 million and accounting for 7.52% of total agricultural exports. Export demand was highly concentrated in Asia, reflecting the region’s strong cashew processing capacity.
Vietnam dominated as the largest destination market, importing Nigerian cashew nuts in shell valued at ₦48,812.21 million, underscoring Vietnam’s position as a global hub for cashew processing and re-export. India followed with imports worth ₦9,718.83 million, driven by its large domestic consumption and processing industries. Smaller volumes were exported to the Netherlands (₦191.49 million), Bangladesh (₦52.62 million), and Egypt (₦25.35 million), reflecting emerging and niche market demand.
Overall, these export patterns show that Nigeria’s cashew industry is closely linked to Asian processing markets, while gradual penetration into European and African markets presents opportunities for future diversification and value addition.
Sesamum seeds – 48,786.68 Million
Sesamum seeds emerged as the fifth most exported agricultural product in Q3 2025, contributing 6.24% of total agricultural exports, with a generated revenue of ₦48,786.68 million.
The high oil content of sesamum seeds has increased global demand, particularly in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Major markets for Nigerian sesame seeds include Japan, China, Turkey, and the Middle East. Nigeria continues to expand its presence in these markets due to competitive pricing without compromising quality.
