Namibia’s export earnings for fish, crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates reached N$4.1 billion in the first quarter of 2024, up from N$4.0 billion in the same period last year, latest data shows.
According to High Economic Intelligence (HEI), total landings of quota species during the first quarter of 2024 amounted to 97,077 metric tons, a decline of 16.7% compared to 116,471 metric tonnes recorded in the first quarter of 2023.
“Horse mackerel had the highest landings with 49,592 metric tonnes, followed by hake with 44,630 metric tonnes. In third place was monkfish, with 2,119 metric tonnes,” said the firm in a sector report.
Spain was the top destination, making up 29.7% of exports, mainly for frozen hake fillets. Zambia (16.1%) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (14.1%) were the next largest destinations, both receiving horse mackerel.
In the first quarter of 2024, imports of fish and crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates totalled N$154.9 million, down from N$167.9 million recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2023.
“South Africa was the biggest supplier, providing 35.0% of the imports, mainly hake. The United States followed with 32.6%, mainly sole, and Spain was third with 9.7%, mainly cuttlefish and squid,” said HEI.
The export of horticultural products was valued at N$276.1 million in the first quarter of 2024, up from N$181.9 million in the corresponding quarter of 2023.
“Grapes were the top exported products, amounting to N$196.3 million, followed by dates at N$68.9 million, and pumpkins, squash, and gourds in third place, valued at N$4.4 million,” said HEI.
In terms of markets, the United Kingdom was the main export destination for horticultural products, accounting for 27.2% of exports.
“The Netherlands, South Africa, and Germany followed as the second, third, and fourth largest destinations, accounting for 21.1%, 14.0%, and 10.1%, respectively. The main products exported to the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, South Africa, and Germany were grapes and dates,” said HEI.
For the period under review, the import bill for horticultural products was valued at N$305.1 million, compared to N$276.9 million recorded in the same quarter of 2023.
“Potatoes were the highest imported products, amounting to N$64.2 million, followed by stimulants, spices, and aromatic crops at N$58.2 million, apples at N$26.7 million, vegetable seeds (excluding beet seeds) at N$15.5 million, and tea leaves at N$12.8 million,” HEI noted.
The firm said that horticultural products were primarily sourced from South Africa, which accounted for 97.0% of the imports during the period under review.
Moreover, locally purchased controlled fresh produce was estimated at 5,154 tonnes, compared to 5,145 tonnes recorded in the same quarter of 2023.
“Onions were the most purchased item, with 975 tonnes, followed by potatoes at 692 tonnes, and cabbage in third place with 470 tonnes. Carrots (469 tonnes) and tomatoes (338 tonnes) were also among the top six locally purchased produce,” said HEI.
