Namibia's Trade Deficit Widens to N$4.7 Billion in September

The country's trade developments have revealed that exports amounted to N$12.2 billion in September while imports were higher, with a value of N$16.9 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of N$4.7 billion. This reflects a worsened trade balance when compared to the N$3.9 billion deficit recorded in August 2026. The Namibia Statistics Agency attributes this development to the difference between the country's exports and imports.

Analysis of Namibia's major trading partners shows that China emerged as the country's largest export destination, while South Africa continued to be the leading source of imports. The export basket in September was largely dominated by mining products, particularly uranium, non-monetary gold, 'nickel ores and concentrates' and 'ores and concentrates of base metals'. Fish was the only non-mineral commodity among the top five export products.

Re-exports rose by 19.4% monthly and by 84.1% compared to September 2025. The re-export basket consisted mainly of 'nickel ores and concentrates', petroleum oils, 'sulphur and unroasted iron pyrites', 'ores and concentrates of base metals' and fertilizers. Conversely, the import basket was dominated by petroleum oils, 'sulphur and unroasted iron pyrites', 'nickel ores and concentrates', mechanical handling equipment, and 'civil engineering and contractors' equipment'.

A detailed analysis of trade in food and beverages indicates that Namibia was a net exporter of food products, recording a trade surplus of N$428 million, as food exports exceeded imports. In contrast, Namibia was a net importer of beverages, with beverage imports surpassing exports, resulting in a trade deficit of N$306 million.

The current report focuses on 'bovine and bovine products' as the commodity of the month. The analysis indicates that, on the supply side, Namibia exported bovine and bovine products valued at N$323.3 million, with the Netherlands, South Africa and the United Kingdom serving as the main export destinations. On the demand side, the country imported bovine and bovine products worth N$6.5 million, primarily sourced from South Africa, Botswana and Angola.

During the period under review, Namibia exported goods to 110 markets worldwide, representing an increase of five compared to the number of export destinations recorded in August. On the import side, the country sourced goods from 162 markets, the same number recorded during the previous month. This development reflects the broadening of Namibia's international trade footprint.

The Namibia Statistics Agency stated that these developments underscore continued progress towards enhanced regional integration and the diversification of both export destinations and import sources, in line with the country's trade policy objectives. The agency's report highlights the country's efforts to expand its trade relationships and improve its trade balance.

Key points

• The trade deficit widened to N$4.7 billion in September due to higher imports.
• China was Namibia's largest export destination, while South Africa was the leading source of imports.
• Namibia's export basket was dominated by mining products, particularly uranium and non-monetary gold.