Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) says it recorded 178% increase in export volumes for frozen fish, frozen meat, salt bagged, wooden products and steel, due to high demand in key markets for the 1 April 2022-31 January 2023 period.
The national ports operator said it experienced an overall positive growth in imports and exports in the period under review.
“One of the most impressive commodities is charcoal, which has shown a 39% increase in volume due to high demand in European markets. Copper exports have also experienced a 16% increase due to the benefits of containerisation such as improved security, reduced cargo damage and faster turnaround times,” the company said.
Demand for Namibian beer products, according to Namport, has contributed to an increase in malt imports via its ports, while machinery imports destined for Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Botswana have surged by 52%.
“On the other hand, malt imports have grown by 52%, driven by the strong performance of Namibian beer products in emerging markets such as South Africa and Tanzania. The importation of machinery also increased by 52%, due to new mining developments in neighbouring countries such as Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Botswana,” the Namport.
“Moreover, there is good news for growth in the final quarter of the financial year, thanks to the growing demand for exports primarily to Zambia and Botswana.”
Importation volumes for personal effects and dangerous cargo destined for neighbouring countries recorded a marked increase in volumes for the period.
“The rise of 8% in household and personal effects imports was mainly attributed to the return of regional residents to their home countries, primarily from Zambia and Zimbabwe. In addition, dangerous cargo imports for the military army of Botswana also contributed to the overall growth of the Port of Walvis Bay,” the company said.
Industrial chemical imports destined for neighbouring countries have recorded a 23% growth during the period under review.
“The Port of Walvis Bay has experienced a remarkable surge in volume in ammonium nitrate importation, as well as a 23% growth in sulphur importation, thanks to its efficient transportation route to Zambia and the DRC,” the ports company said.
“Overall, the positive growth of the Port of Walvis Bay in commodities and exports is a good sign for the Namibian economy and the region as a whole. The increased demand for exports to neighbouring countries is expected to continue, leading to a further increase in the growth of Namibia’s ports.”
Vehicle imports, however, suffered a 36% decrease due to a shift in shipping routes.
