Namibia’s July Trade Data Shows N$1 Billion Deficit Amid Strong Mineral Exports and Rising Re-exports
According to the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) in its latest International Merchandise Trade Bulletin, Namibia recorded intra-African imports of N$6.1 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of N$1 billion.
Trade Overview
Intra-African exports: 40.7% of total exports
Imports from Africa: 48.7% of total imports
Main export destinations: South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Mozambique
Main import sources: South Africa, Zambia, DRC, Nigeria, Morocco
Namibia’s overall trade balance in July showed a deficit of N$58 million, down from a surplus of N$856 million in June, but an improvement from the N$2 billion deficit recorded in July last year. South Africa remained Namibia’s largest trading partner for both exports and imports.
Namibia’s exports were dominated by minerals—uranium, diamonds, non-monetary gold, and copper—with fish as the only non-mineral among the top five. Re-exports increased by 9% from June and 2.5% year-on-year, mainly comprising copper products, precious stones, base metal ores, petroleum oils, and rubber tires.
Imports focused on petroleum oils, commercial motor vehicles, mechanical handling equipment, passenger transport vehicles, and civil engineering machinery.
Food and Beverage Trade
Namibia posted a food trade surplus of N$834 million, making it a net food exporter, but recorded a beverage trade deficit of N$178 million.
Commodity Highlight: Blankets
In July, Namibia imported blankets worth N$8.1 million, primarily from South Africa, China, and Pakistan, while exports amounted to N$398,104, mostly re-exports to Angola.
