Chamwe Kaira
Namibia recorded a trade deficit of N$393 million in December 2025, a sharp improvement from the N$4.4 billion deficit recorded in November 2025.
On a year-on-year basis, the country posted a trade surplus of N$297 million, according to data released by the statistician general and chief executive officer of the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA), Alex Shimuafeni.
South Africa remained Namibia’s largest trading partner during the period, accounting for the largest share of both exports and imports.
Exports in December were driven mainly by the mining sector. Non-monetary gold, precious stones (diamonds) and uranium dominated the export basket.
Fish and fruit and nuts were the only non-mineral products among the top five exports.
Re-exports declined during the month, falling by 5.3% month-on-month and by 38.7% year-on-year.
The main re-export items were precious stones (diamonds), petroleum oils, nickel ores and concentrates, base metal ores and concentrates, and fertilisers.
On the import side, Namibia’s main imports were petroleum oils, motor vehicles for commercial use, nickel ores and concentrates, civil engineering and contractors’ equipment, and motor vehicles for the transportation of individuals.
Trade in food items recorded a surplus, with Namibia exporting more food than it imported.
This resulted in a food trade surplus of N$870 million. The country remained a net importer of beverages, posting a trade deficit of N$203 million.
Corrugated iron was named the commodity of the month. Namibia imported corrugated iron worth N$6 million, mainly from South Africa and China.
Exports of corrugated iron amounted to N$251 100, with all exports going to South Africa.
In December, Namibia recorded trade surpluses with Botswana at N$1.6 billion, China at N$855 million and the Netherlands at N$468 million.
Trade deficits were recorded with South Africa at N$1.5 billion, India at N$488 million and Oman at N$449 million.
Deficits were recorded in commodities such as petroleum oils at N$1.1 billion, motor vehicles for commercial purposes at N$718 million, and motor vehicles for the transportation of individuals at N$269 million.
In contrast, the country posted trade surpluses in non-monetary gold at N$1.9 billion, uranium at N$1.8 billion and precious stones (diamonds) at N$1.7 billion.
“This analysis clearly shows that Namibia’s trade deficit is centred around manufactured commodities, while surpluses are generated from mining commodities,” the Namibia Statistics Agency said.
