According to the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA), in its International Merchandise Trade Bulletin. However, imports from the continent totalled N$6.1 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of N$1 billion.
The NSA reported that intra-African exports constituted 40.7% of Namibia’s total exports, while imports from Africa represented 48.7% of total imports. The primary destinations for Namibian exports included South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Mozambique. Conversely, imports mainly originated from South Africa, Zambia, the DRC, Nigeria, and Morocco.
Namibia’s overall trade balance in July showed a deficit of N$58 million. This figure was weaker than the surplus of N$856 million recorded in June but an improvement compared to the N$2 billion deficit observed in July of the previous year. South Africa continued to be Namibia’s main trading partner for both exports and imports.
The nation’s exports were largely dominated by minerals, including uranium, diamonds, non-monetary gold, and copper. Fish was the only non-mineral product among the top five exports. Re-exports increased by 9% compared to June and rose by 2.5% year-on-year.
According to Alex Shimuafeni, NSA statistician general, the re-exports primarily included copper and articles made from copper, precious stones (diamonds), ores and concentrates of base metals, petroleum oils, and rubber tires. In contrast, the import basket was mainly composed of petroleum oils, motor vehicles for commercial use, mechanical handling equipment, passenger transport vehicles, and civil engineering and contractor’s equipment.
In terms of food trade, Namibia recorded a surplus of N$834 million, making it a net exporter of food items. However, the country registered a deficit of N$178 million concerning beverages.
Blankets were identified as the commodity of the month; Namibia imported blankets worth N$8.1 million, mainly from South Africa, China, and Pakistan, while exports amounted to N$398,104, primarily in re-exports to Angola.
