Botswana has emerged a significant trading partner with Namibia, accounting for a trade surplus of N$2.2 billion, according to the latest data from the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA).
The May and June 2024 trade data also shows Botswana as a key partner in boosting Namibia’s exports, emerging as Namibia’s main export destination in Africa and second in the world.
According to the data, Botswana was among the top five export markets during June 2024. It shows that China took first position as Namibia’s main export destination accounting for 24.1 percent of exports, Botswana was in second position with a share of 17.3 percent.
In addition to Botswana, Namibia also recorded trade surpluses with China and the United States. The surplus with China stood at N$2.0 billion, while trade with the United States resulted in a surplus of N$1.0 billion. These figures reflect Namibia’s growing export strength and diversification of its trading partners.
During June 2024, South Africa was the third largest export market for Namibia, holding a market share of 13.6 percent. The Southern African Customs Union (SACU) emerged as the largest regional export market, contributing 31.0 percent to total exports. The USA and Zambia followed, occupying the fourth and fifth positions with contributions of 10.7 percent and 7.7 percent, respectively.
Uranium was Namibia’s largest export in June 2024, accounting for 28.5 percent of the total export which was predominantly destined to China and the United States.
Precious stones (diamonds) took a second spot, accounting for 18.4 percent of the total exports and was mostly destined to Botswana and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Fish occupied the third position, contributing 8.9 percent and was mainly destined for Spain, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Non-monetary gold stood in fourth position on the list accounting for 7.8 percent with the commodity destined to South Africa.
The top five commodities re-exported in June 2024 were ‘Copper and articles of copper’ occupying the first position with a share of 15.9 percent of total re-exports which was primarily destined to the Netherlands and Belgium. Precious stones (diamonds) followed in second place with a share of 13.6 percent mainly destined to Botswana, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the United States of America (USA). Petroleum oils ranked third on the list, contributing 11.5 percent which was mostly destined to Botswana.
