Chamwe Kaira
Namibia exported goods worth N$52.6 million to Lesotho during the period 2015 to 2022, while on the demand side, goods amounting to N$50.3 million were sourced from Lesotho. In October, Namibia sourced goods worth N$916 8111 from Lesotho.
The export basket to Lesotho comprised solely of ‘Lime, cement, and fabricated construction materials’ whereas the import basket primarily comprised of clothing articles.
During October, Namibia exported goods worth N$3.6 billion to African markets, whereas, on the demand side, the country sourced goods from Africa.
In October, Namibia’s total exports stood at N$6.8 billion and imports at N$11.3 billion, resulting in the country’s trade deficit of N$4.5 billion.
During October, exports decreased by 12.1 percent from N$7.8 billion recorded in September.
Additionally, exports decreased by 17.7 percent from N$8.3 billion registered in October 2022. The import value increased by 2.1 percent when compared to the value recorded in September and by 8.0 percent when compared to the value of N$10.5 billion recorded in October 2022.
South Africa emerged as the country’s largest export destination, with a share of 25.8 percent of all goods exported, followed by China with a share of 19.9 percent. Furthermore, Botswana, Zambia and Spain formed part of Namibia’s top five export markets.
The demand side saw South Africa maintaining her position as the country’s largest source of imports, accounting for 43.6 percent of total imports into Namibia followed by India in second position with 9.2 percent of the market share.
China, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States of America also formed part of Namibia’s top five import markets.
Uranium had the largest share of 19 percent of Namibia’s total exports ahead of fish with 16.1 percent and non-monetary gold with a share of 14.7 percent.
Petroleum oils accounted for 8.4 percent in fourth position and precious stones (diamonds) came in fifth position contributing 7.9 percent. In terms of imports, petroleum oils were the highest valued commodity with a share of 16.6 percent of total imports, followed by motor vehicles for the transportation of goods with a share of 3.5 percent while ‘civil engineering and contractors’ equipment’ came third with a share of 2.6 percent. Furthermore, motor cars for the transportation of persons and inorganic chemical elements contributed 2.5 percent and 2.4 percent, respectively.
