Walvis Bay Harbour became Namibia’s leading trade gateway in April 2024, handling the highest trade volumes for exports and imports compared to other ports in the country, latest data shows.
According to the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA), Walvis Bay Harbour handled N$3,8 billion in exports and N$5,2 billion in imports during the month.
NSA’s Trade Statistics Bulletin revealed that Namibia’s total exports stood at N$9,5 billion, reflecting a 16.3% increase from March 2024’s N$8.2 billion and a 26.1% rise compared to April 2023.
This comes as imports reached N$12.6 billion, marking a slight decrease of 1.3% from March 2024 but a significant 44% increase compared to April 2023’s N$8,8 billion. This resulted in a trade deficit of N$3,1 billion for the month.
Meanwhile in terms of trade, Eros Airport followed with exports worth N$1,895 million and imports amounting to N$166 million, highlighting a substantial discrepancy between its export and import activities.
At Hosea Kutako International Airport, exports were valued at N$794 million, whereas imports were N$687 million, indicating a relatively balanced trade flow.
The Ariamsvlei border post saw exports totalling N$330 million, significantly lower than its imports which stood at N$1,9 billion.
Similarly, the Trans Kalahari border post recorded exports of N$740 million against much higher imports of N$2,1 billion.
Katima Mulilo border post reported exports of N$1,4 billion, contrasted with imports of N$422 million, showing a strong export performance.
In contrast, the Oshikango border post’s exports were minimal at N$58 million, with no imports.
Ngoma border post had exports valued at N$93 million and imports of N$44 million, indicating more export activity.
NSA data shows that the Noordoewer border post registered N$212 million in exports against N$1 billion in imports, displaying a significant import dominance.
Lastly, Lüderitz Harbour contributed N$164 million in exports and N$357 million in imports, again showing a higher import volume compared to exports.
South Africa was Namibia’s largest export destination, accounting for 17.6% of total exports, followed closely by China at 16.9%.
“Other significant export markets included Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Zambia. On the import side, South Africa dominated with 34.8% of the total, followed by China at 9.2%, with Peru, Oman, and Germany also being key import partners,” said the NSA bulletin.
Transport modes played a crucial role in facilitating trade, with sea transport handling 41.6% of total exports, road transport 30.1%, and air transport 28.3%.
Conversely, for imports, road transport was the most utilised, accounting for 48.9% of total imports, followed by sea transport at 44.2%, and air transport at 6.9%.
In April 2024, Namibia exported N$4 billion worth of goods via sea transportation representing 41.6%, while road exports represented 30.1%, and air 28.3%.
“Namibia exported goods worth N$4 billion, primarily consisting of uranium, fish, and copper via sea; salts, fish, and petroleum oils via road; and precious stones, non-monetary gold, and crustaceans via air,” said the NSA.
Importantly, sea imports included petroleum oils, copper ores, and rotating electric plants, while road imports featured nickel ores, motor vehicles, and alcoholic beverages. Imports by road were valued at N$6.2 billion.
