Walvis Bay processed more than N$10 billion worth of goods in May 2025, accounting for 56.6% of Namibia’s total outbound trade, according to the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA).
The International Merchandise Trade Statistics report shows that Walvis Bay recorded exports valued at N$6.5 billion and imports worth N$3.5 billion, making it the busiest port for both entry and exit of goods.
“The export side saw Walvis Bay facilitating goods valued at N$6.5 billion. The demand side saw Walvis Bay maintaining its position as the main entry point for imports, facilitating cargo valued at N$3.5 billion,” the report stated.
Sea exports through Walvis Bay reached 212,280 tonnes, up 8.9% from April and 80.3% higher than in May 2024. Road exports totalled 164,964 tonnes, a slight monthly decline but a 9.5% increase year-on-year.
Uranium was Namibia’s top export, earning N$3.45 billion. Other major exports through Walvis Bay included refined copper (N$605 million), frozen hake fillets (N$508 million), and distillate fuel (N$492 million).
Imports through the port included machinery parts (HS Code 84.74) worth N$294 million and petrol valued at N$167 million. An unspecified product made up N$17 million or 5% of total imports.
Eros Airport and the Katima Mulilo border post followed as key export points with trade values of N$2.6 billion and N$1.2 billion, respectively. Ariamsvlei and the Trans Kalahari border posts ranked second and third for imports, handling N$2.7 billion and N$1.9 billion in goods.
“For imports, Ariamsvlei and Trans Kalahari border posts processed goods worth N$2.7 billion and N$1.9 billion, respectively,” the NSA said.
Air transport accounted for 24.9% of export value, driven by non-monetary gold and diamonds. Road transport made up 18.5%, with exports such as fish, petroleum oils and sulphur.
Namibia exported 377,432 tonnes of goods in total during May, a 4.2% increase from April and 40.6% higher than in May 2024.
On the import side, road transport led with goods valued at N$7.3 billion, or 62.7% of total imports. Air imports made up 5.9%, consisting mostly of diamonds, medicaments and printed materials.
Total imports stood at 366,235 tonnes in May, down 26.8% from April and 11.5% from the same month last year. Road imports accounted for 188,061 tonnes, sea imports 177,891 tonnes, and air imports 207 tonnes.
“Finally, 207 tonnes of goods arrived in the country by air during May 2025, yielding an increase of 39 tonnes and a decrease of 12 tonnes when compared to the tonnes recorded in April 2025 and May 2024, respectively,” the report said.
