Chinese Buyers of Nigerian Agricultural Products — Detailed List, Contacts & How to Sell

Estimated reading time: 14 minutes

China remains one of the world’s largest import markets for agricultural commodities, edible oils, oilseeds, nuts, seafood and speciality crops. For many Nigerian producers and exporters — especially of sesame, raw cashew nuts (RCN), cocoa, frozen fish, palm products and other commodities — China represents a large, accessible market with buyers ranging from state-owned agribusinesses to private trading houses and seafood processors.

Below I provide:

• A curated and sourced list of Chinese buyers and buyer types that are active (or frequently referenced) in Nigerian commodity trade;
• Practical steps to contact, verify and negotiate with Chinese buyers;
• Required documentation, payment and logistics tips;
• Where to find more buyers and up-to-date trade leads.

This guide draws on trade directories, China–Africa trade event coverage, and import/export data sources to help small and medium exporters in Nigeria approach Chinese buyers more effectively.

Key industry sources referenced throughout this guide include trade directories (Volza, TradeFord, TradeWheel), COFCO (a major Chinese agri group), the China International Import Expo (CIIE) coverage, and recent trade reporting on seafood and other commodity flows. (Volza)

Quick snapshot — Which Nigerian agro products Chinese buyers commonly purchase

From multiple trade listings and trade-show reports, the most commonly traded Nigerian agricultural products destined (or wanted) for China are:

• Sesame seeds (high demand for food-grade and oil extraction) — China is a top global sesame importer. (Volza)
• Raw cashew nuts (RCN) — cashew kernels and processing are major reasons Chinese trade houses source RCN from Africa. (nigeria.tradeford.com)
• Cocoa (beans and derivatives) — cocoa beans and semi-processed cocoa products are traded globally; China has a growing cocoa processing market. (Volza)
• Palm oil / crude palm kernel oil (selected importers and refineries in China import edible oils and fractions). (Volza)
• Frozen fish & seafood (farmed fish and wild catch) — recent Chinese policy and trade talks show expanding interest in African aquaculture products. (SeafoodSource)
• Other nuts, grains and specialty crops (hibiscus, shea derivatives, sesame byproducts, etc.).

The types of Chinese buyers you will meet (and why knowing the type matters)

Understanding buyer types helps tailor your outreach, pricing and contract terms:

1. State-owned and large integrated agribusinesses (e.g., COFCO / Sinograin) — these are large-scale buyers with strict quality, contract, and traceability requirements. They can buy in bulk and often prefer reliable long-term suppliers or contracts. (COFCO International)
2. Large private trading houses / commodity merchants — these companies source across Africa to supply Chinese processors and food companies. They can move large volumes but will negotiate tough terms on logistics and payment.
3. Specialist processors & manufacturers — cocoa processors, sesame oil refiners, cashew processors and seafood processors who buy to feed local factories. You’ll often find them in port cities, processing hubs, or via trade directories.
4. Import agents and trading intermediaries — many Chinese buyers operate via Hong Kong or Shanghai agents who source and arrange shipping and documentation.
5. Smaller city/wholesale buyers — these buy smaller lots and may re-sell to larger firms or regional markets.

Detailed (curated) list of Chinese buyers / trading houses & importer names to investigate

Important note: A transparent, definitive public register of “Chinese companies that currently buy Nigerian agri-products” does not exist in a single authoritative list. Most cross-border purchasing occurs through trading houses, importers, processors and agents that register buy leads on trade directories or appear at trade expos. Below I’ve compiled names and buyer types recurring in reputable trade listings, import data snapshots and trade-show reports. Use the provided citations to verify current activity and reach out via official channels.

1) COFCO International (COFCO Group) — state-backed integrated agribusiness

Why they matter: COFCO is China’s largest food and agricultural firm, active across procurement, processing and distribution. They operate globally and have explicitly expanded African ties and procurement activities across grains, oilseeds and other commodities. Nigerian exporters targeting large-volume grain or oilseed flows should be aware of COFCO’s presence and procurement models. (COFCO International)

How to approach: COFCO sources are often channeled via COFCO International’s regional offices and through trade events (CIIE). Approach via official channels, request their supplier registration details, and be prepared for strict compliance and traceability checks. (ciie.org)

2) Sinograin / China Grain Reserves-related groups — (state stockpiler & commodity operations)

Why they matter: Sinograin partners and joint ventures with COFCO influence large-scale trade in grains and oilseeds. They periodically engage in commercial imports and large tenders. For large consignments (especially grains/oilseeds), Nigeria exporters should monitor public tenders and JV announcements. (Reuters)

3) AHCOF Industrial Development Co., Ltd. — listed among top sesame importers in China

Why they matter: Trade directories and import data lists show AHCOF among entities involved in sesame imports. If you export sesame, this entity (or similarly named importers) appear in import-data aggregators. Always verify the active corporate name and contact before negotiating. (Volza)

4) Xiamen C & D Commodity Trading (and related Xiamen-based traders) — sesame & oilseed trading hubs

Why they matter: Xiamen is one of China’s trading hubs for edible oils, oilseeds and sesame; directories list “Xiamen C and D Commodity Trading” among larger sesame importers. Buyers in port cities (Xiamen, Shanghai, Guangzhou) frequently appear in import datasets. (Volza)

5) Taizhou Hongye Foods Co., Ltd. (and Chinese seafood processors) — frozen fish importers/processors

Why they matter: Seafood and frozen fish processors in China (some listed as exporters on their own sites) point to active seafood trade lanes. Recent bilateral developments show China pledging to buy more Nigerian farmed fish — a direct signal to Nigerian aquaculture exporters. (summerhyfoods.com)

6) Large Chinese sesame & oilseed importers (clusters from import data)

Examples & notes: Import datasets (Volza, customs aggregators) indicate dozens to hundreds of sesame importers in China; several names repeatedly cited include AHCOF and Xiamen commodity houses. These datasets also show market concentration where a subset of importers account for a large share of shipments. Use import data aggregators to shortlist active importers. (Volza)

7) Trading leads and buyer lists seen on directories (TradeFord, Tradewheel, Go4WorldBusiness, TradeWheel)

Why they matter: Many Chinese buyers post buy leads and company profiles on B2B directories. Examples include buyers listed for cashew, sesame and seafood on TradeFord, TradeWheel and Go4WorldBusiness. These platforms give names, contact points and sometimes recent buy leads — excellent starting points for outreach. (nigeria.tradeford.com)

8) Regional / vertical processors and manufacturers in China

Why they matter: For many commodities (cocoa, cashew kernels, sesame oil) processors in China or Greater China (including Hong Kong) buy raw materials via merchants. Even if you don’t find a named buyer in public directories, approach processors through industry associations or via trade shows like the CIIE. (ciie.org)

How I found the above names and why you should verify activity

Sources used to compile and cross-reference potential buyers:

• Import data aggregators (Volza, ExportGenius summaries) that show active importers by commodity and country; helpful to identify repeat importers. (Volza)
• Trade directories (TradeFord, TradeWheel, Go4WorldBusiness) where Chinese buyers and agents list buy leads for sesame, cashew, cocoa, palm oil and seafood. These sites are seller-facing and frequently updated when buyers post new requirements. (nigeria.tradeford.com)
• Company sites and news (COFCO International site and press) demonstrating Chinese corporate engagement in Africa and agricultural procurement. (COFCO International)
• Trade event / policy coverage such as the China International Import Expo (CIIE), which exposes buyers to African exporters and helps identify active Chinese importers. (ciie.org)
• Industry news noting China’s increasing interest in Nigerian farmed fish and seafood trade arrangements. (SeafoodSource)

Why verify: many trading houses change names, agents, or use shell corporations; directories can contain outdated entries; buyer interest can be seasonal or commodity-specific. Always follow a verification checklist (below).

Verification checklist — how to qualify a Chinese buyer (practical steps)

Before you sign anything or ship goods, verify buyers using this checklist. Treat each step as a separate data point; the more you confirm, the lower your risk.

1. Company registration & business license — ask for company business license (营业执照). Verify the registration number against Chinese corporate registries or ask a Chinese agent to confirm.
2. Bank details verification — request proforma invoice and confirm beneficiary name matches business license. Before releasing goods, confirm bank SWIFT/beneficiary with your bank.
3. Trade references — ask for references from other African suppliers, and contact them. Trade directories sometimes show previous shipments and partners.
4. Active import records — use import data aggregators (if paid) to confirm past shipments for the company name and commodity. Volza/ExportGenius can help. (Volza)
5. Physical office / local agent — request photos of the warehouse, office, or staff IDs (or verify via business portals).
6. Escrow / safe payment methods — prefer L/C (confirmed) or escrow for the first transactions. Avoid T/T to unknown entities without checks.
7. Sample and small trial shipment — send small test shipments to validate product acceptance and claims.
8. Use trade shows & official channels — meet buyers at trade fairs (CIIE) or via NEPC trade missions where you have verifying authority. (ciie.org)

Documents & standards buyers commonly require

• Commercial Invoice (with clear product description & HS code)
• Packing List
• Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
• Phytosanitary Certificate (for seeds, sesame, some nuts, and exported crops)
• Health Certificate (for fish/seafood & food products)
• Certificate of Origin / NEPC export documents
• Quality certificates (lab analysis, moisture content for sesame/cashew)
• Export contracts & inspection reports (SGS / Bureau Veritas if requested)

Be prepared to comply with China’s sanitary & phytosanitary (SPS) requirements for food imports. For seafood, additional inspections and quarantine requirements may apply. If buyers are big processors, they will require traceability and sometimes sustainability documentation.

Practical outreach templates & negotiation tips

Use concise, professional outreach. Below is a short email template you can adapt for trade directory lead outreach.

Subject: Proforma & Sample Offer — 20 MT Raw Sesame / 30 MT Raw Cashew Nuts from Lagos — CIF Shanghai

Body:
Dear [Buyer name / Purchasing Manager],
My name is [Your name], Procurement Manager at [Exporter company], Lagos, Nigeria. We are an export-registered supplier of [sesame / cashew / frozen fish], currently offering [quantity], available ex-Port of Lagos / Apapa. Product highlights and documents: packing list, SGS analysis, phytosanitary certificate, and COA. We offer sample upon request. Please advise CIF Shanghai price target, preferred packaging (50 kg jute / PP bags) and payment terms (L/C or TT). Attachments: company profile, product spec sheet, SGS lab report (if available).
Regards,

Negotiation tips:

• State clear minimum order quantities (MOQ) and packaging standards.
• For first orders prefer a confirmed L/C — it significantly reduces payment risk.
• Offer CIF terms for buyers unfamiliar with Nigerian ports, but factor shipping and insurance into pricing.
• Be ready to accept staged trial orders to build trust.

Practical logistics & freight options

• For bulk commodities (sesame, cashew, palm): containerized FCL (20’ or 40’) is common. For large bulk grain shipments, bulk carriers and specialized charters are used.
• Port options in Nigeria: Lagos (Apapa/Tincan) is the main export hub; other ports may serve depending on origin (Port Harcourt, Onne).
• Chinese port hubs: Shanghai, Ningbo, Xiamen, Guangzhou, Qingdao are common entry points. Match buyer’s preference.
• Insurance & inspection: consider pre-shipment inspection and marine cargo insurance (CIF or FOB with buyer arranging insurance).
• Customs brokerage: ensure accurate HS codes and valuation to avoid delays.

Payment & contract structures — practical advice

• First transactions: insist on a confirmed irrevocable L/C at sight or an escrow service for the initial order.
• TT (Telegraphic transfer): acceptable for repeat, verified buyers with references. Avoid full prepayment to unverified buyers.
• Open account / trade credit: may be offered to established suppliers after multiple successful shipments and references.
• Pricing: always show FOB (Nigeria) and CIF (destination) prices so buyers compare on the same basis. Include packaging and treatment costs (fumigation, drying).

Where to find more Chinese buyers & live leads (useful platforms & events)

• China International Import Expo (CIIE) — Nigeria has presented agricultural products at CIIE. Attending offers face-to-face meetings with Chinese buyers. (ciie.org)
• Trade directories / B2B platforms: TradeFord, TradeWheel, Go4WorldBusiness, Alibaba and GlobalSources (search buyer/buy leads by commodity). (nigeria.tradeford.com)
• Import data aggregators: Volza, ExportGenius, ImportGenius — useful to analyze which Chinese companies have imported certain commodities from Nigeria or West Africa. (Volza)
• NEPC & federal trade missions: coordinate with the Nigeria Export Promotion Council for buyers’ introductions and trade fairs. (Backlink above: https://nepc.gov.ng)

Country-specific & commodity alerts (what to watch for in 2024–2025+)

• Seafood / aquaculture: recent policy and press indicate China has been opening pathways to buy more African farmed fish. This opens new opportunities for Nigerian aquaculture exports given compliance with SPS rules. (SeafoodSource)
• Sesame & cashew demand: sesame remains one of Nigeria’s top agricultural exports to Asia; Chinese import data shows many active importers, but market concentration means working with experienced agents or aggregated suppliers can improve access. (Volza)
• Cocoa & sustainability risks: cocoa buyers globally are increasingly sensitive to sustainability and deforestation risks; buyers may require traceability and sustainability certifications. Recent reporting also flags environmental sourcing risks that exporters must mitigate. (AP News)

Example buyer profiles & how to interpret directory listings

Below are three hypothetical example profiles built from public directory patterns — use these as templates to vet real listings you find on TradeFord/Volza/TradeWheel.

Example A — Xiamen Commodity House (Sesame importer)

• Listing notes: “Buys high-quality white sesame 20–200 MT CIF Ningbo/Shanghai.”
• Verification steps: request company business license, import history, ask for recent bill of lading references. Check import records on Volza. (Volza)

Example B — Coastal Seafood Processor (Taizhou/Guangdong)

• Listing notes: “Looking for frozen catfish, mackerel, tilapia — 10–50 MT orders.”
• Verification steps: request HACCP certification of processor, ask for customs clearance examples, visit company site or request local agent verification. (summerhyfoods.com)

Example C — Large State-backed Trader (COFCO International)

• Listing notes: “Seeks palm products, oilseeds, and bulk grains via long-term contracts for processing and distribution.”
• Verification steps: approach via COFCO International official procurement channels, check press releases and supplier registration procedures. (COFCO International)

Red flags and common scams — protect your business

• Buyer refuses to provide business licence or company registration.
• Buyer requests large prepayment to personal accounts or unknown companies.
• Buyer provides poor or no trade references and resists L/C.
• Price suddenly drops after sample has been accepted — they try to renegotiate delivery terms after shipping.
• Buyer requests shipment to a third country or new beneficiary without valid explanation.

When in doubt, use safer payment instruments and request a small trial shipment first.

Case studies & real trade signals (short examples from recent reporting)

1. COFCO and African engagement: COFCO International public materials show active African procurement and investment, indicating major Chinese agribusiness interest in African commodities. Suppliers aiming for large tenders should monitor COFCO channels and the CIIE. (COFCO International)
2. Seafood policy & Nigeria: reporting in 2025 cited China pledging to buy more Nigerian farmed fish — a policy signal to Nigerian aquaculture producers to develop export-ready volumes and certifications. This is an emerging market opportunity. (SeafoodSource)
3. Sesame & import concentration: import datasets show a relatively small group of importers account for significant sesame volumes, so exporters must target known active importers or form consortia to meet volume expectations. Use import data aggregators to identify the top importers. (Volza)

Action plan for a Nigerian exporter ready to sell to China (30–90 day roadmap)

Days 0–7: Preparation

• Confirm product specs, packaging, and lab/test results (moisture, aflatoxin for nuts, etc.).
• Assemble NEPC export documents, phytosanitary certificates, company profile and product catalog.
• Create a concise outreach email and proforma template.

Days 8–21: Market outreach

• Post verified seller listings on TradeFord, Alibaba, Go4WorldBusiness and contact buyers listed on Volza/TradeWheel. (nigeria.tradeford.com)
• Register for/plan to attend a relevant trade show (CIIE or a China-Africa trade fair) or join a NEPC trade mission. (ciie.org)

Days 22–45: Verification & sample orders

• Vet prospective buyers with the checklist above. Request L/C or escrow for first orders. Arrange for small sample shipments.
• Arrange pre-shipment inspection (e.g., SGS) if the buyer requests it.

Days 46–90: First full shipment & follow up

• Execute contract with clear FOB/CIF terms, insurance and inspection clauses.
• Obtain feedback, improve packaging/quality if required, and secure repeat business with better payment terms once trust is established.

Useful links & resources (backlinks you can use)

• Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) — exporter registration & trade mission info. (Recommended backlink) — https://nepc.gov.ng
• COFCO International — official site — background on Chinese agribusiness procurement. (COFCO International)
• China International Import Expo (CIIE) — Nigerian participation — good channel for buyer introductions. (ciie.org)
• Volza — sesame & palm import data (China) — for analyzing importer names and volumes. (Volza)
• TradeFord / TradeWheel / Go4WorldBusiness — live buyer leads and company listings. (nigeria.tradeford.com)
• SeafoodSource — China buying more Nigerian farmed fish (policy signal). (SeafoodSource)

Final recommendations & closing thoughts

1. Do thorough verification. Chinese buyer names appear in many directories; confirm activity with import data or direct business license checks. (Volza)
2. Start with samples and an L/C or escrow. The first transaction should be small and secured by reliable payment instruments.
3. Use NEPC & trade fairs (CIIE) as accelerators. Face-to-face meetings significantly increase trust and buyer interest. (ciie.org)
4. Watch commodity policy signals. For instance, China’s expressed interest in buying Nigerian farmed fish is a new opening for aquaculture exporters. (SeafoodSource)

Appendix — Quick reference list of directories and datasets (start here)

• Volza (sesame/palm import data) — importers by commodity. (Volza)
• TradeFord (Chinese buyers lists for cashew, sesame, seafood). (nigeria.tradeford.com)
• TradeWheel / Go4WorldBusiness (buyer leads, cocoa buyers list). (TradeWheel)
• COFCO International — major Chinese agribusiness and African procurement. (COFCO International)
• SeafoodSource — news on China–Nigeria seafood purchasing arrangements. (SeafoodSource)

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