Namibia recorded a trade surplus of N$669 million in food items for December 2024, driven primarily by fish exports, the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) has revealed.
According to the NSA’s latest trade bulletin, fish exports accounted for N$979 million, with the primary markets being the Democratic Republic of Congo, Spain, and Zambia.
The report further indicates that from December 2023 to December 2024, Namibia’s overall trade surplus in food items averaged N$302 million.
However, trade deficits were recorded in September, October, and November 2024.
“September registered a deficit of N$139 million, October N$166 million, and November N$258 million. The highest trade surplus over the period was recorded in December 2023 at N$1 billion,” the NSA said.
The report, also highlights the significant contribution of fruit and nut exports. These exports totaled N$822 million in December 2024, with the Netherlands and the United Kingdom being the main destinations.
“During December 2024, fish and other aquatic products contributed the highest to the food basket with a share of 46.9%, followed by fruits and nuts at 39.4%. The top five exported food items collectively accounted for 96.6% of the total food export value,” the NSA bulletin detailed.
On the import side, the top five food items, excluding live animals, made up 52.6% of total imports during December 2024. Cereals dominated the list with a 15.7% share, followed by sugar and sugar confectionery at 11.4%, and residues and waste from food industries at 8.9%.
Additionally, the NSA report noted that from December 2023 to December 2024, Namibia’s imports of beverages averaged N$328 million, with the highest values recorded in November and December 2024.
Over the same period, beverage exports averaged N$119 million, peaking in July 2024 at N$190 million.
