Namibia recorded a trade surplus of N$121 million in May 2025, marking a significant shift from the N$1.8 billion deficit seen in April.
This is the country’s first trade surplus in a year, following twelve consecutive months of deficits averaging N$2.9 billion.
The Namibia Statistics Agency’s (NSA) International Merchandise Trade Statistics (IMTS) report shows that export revenue rose by 7.3 percent to N$11.8 billion in May, up from April’s figures. Compared to May 2024, exports increased by 25.8 percent, from N$9.4 billion.
“In May 2025, the country’s trade balance recorded a surplus of N$121 million, an improvement when compared to a revised deficit of N$1.8 billion recorded in the previous month,” the report states. It adds that the persistent trade deficits between May 2024 and May 2025 reflect Namibia’s continued reliance on foreign goods to meet domestic demand.
The report highlights that the mining and quarrying sector led the export growth in May, contributing N$5.8 billion or 49 percent of total export earnings. This sector saw a month-on-month increase of N$398 million.
“Regarding the sectoral share to total exports, May 2025 saw the mining and quarrying sector occupying the first position with the largest export value of N$5.8 billion, contributing 49.0 percent share to the country’s total export earnings,” the report adds.
The manufacturing sector was the second-largest contributor, accounting for 48.1 percent of total exports with a value of N$4.3 billion from the manufacturing of basic metals. This was followed by food product manufacturing at N$1.1 billion and chemical manufacturing at N$329 million.
In the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector, crop and animal production reached N$2.3 billion, while forestry and logging, and fishing and aquaculture contributed N$1.6 billion and N$707 million, respectively.
“The manufacturing sector was second with a share of 48.1 percent of total exports in May 2025. Additionally, exports of goods from this sector increased by N$367 million when compared to the previous month,” the report says.
“Furthermore, the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector ranked third, contributing a mere 2.4 percent to the country’s total export.”
On the import side, Namibia’s demand for foreign goods remained strong, particularly from the manufacturing industry, which accounted for N$9.2 billion in imports in May, an 8.3 percent rise from April.
The mining and quarrying sector followed with N$2.2 billion in imports, a 44.4 percent decrease month-on-month. The agriculture, forestry and fishing sector contributed N$179 million to imports.
By trading partner, Namibia posted surpluses with China (N$1.5 billion), Botswana (N$1.2 billion) and France (N$562 million). Deficits were recorded with South Africa (N$2.0 billion), India (N$597 million) and the United States (N$297 million).
Namibia also expanded its trade network during the period, exporting to 103 countries, up from 98 in April, and importing from 155 countries, three more than the previous month.
