Namibia exported food valued at N$1.506 billion in November 2025, resulting in a food trade surplus of N$291 million, according to the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA).
The NSA’s International Merchandise Trade Report shows that fish was a key export revenue driver, accounting for N$744 million, or 7.5% of total national exports. The main markets for Namibian fish during the month were Zambia, Spain and South Africa.
“Fish occupied the fourth position with a share of 7.5% of total exports, absorbed by Zambia, Spain and South Africa,” the report said.
Exports of fruit and nuts contributed a further N$463 million, representing 4.6% of total export earnings. These products were largely destined for European markets, including the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. In addition, exports of fresh, chilled or frozen meat of bovine animals contributed N$299 million to the export basket.
Despite the food trade surplus, Namibia’s overall trade deficit widened to N$4.4 billion in November 2025, from a deficit of N$2.9 billion in October. The position nonetheless marked an improvement compared with the N$5.5 billion deficit recorded in November 2024.
Over the period from November 2024 to November 2025, Namibia largely recorded persistent trade deficits, with only brief surpluses between May and July 2025. During this period, the trade balance averaged a deficit of N$2.3 billion, highlighting the country’s continued reliance on imports to meet domestic demand.
“Whereas the country’s expenditure on imports stood at N$14.4 billion, reflecting a decrease of 10.4% from N$16.1 billion recorded in the preceding month, the export and import positions translated into a trade deficit of N$4.4 billion, due to imports outpacing exports,” the report said.
By industry, manufacturing, mining and quarrying, and agriculture, forestry and fishing were the main contributors to trade activity. Within manufacturing, the production of basic metals accounted for N$2.193 billion, followed by the manufacture of food products at N$1.266 billion and chemicals and chemical products at N$413 million.
The agriculture, forestry and fishing sector recorded comparatively lower values. Crop and animal production, hunting and related service activities were valued at N$554 million, forestry and logging at N$129 million, and fishing and aquaculture at N$16 million.
Trade performance also varied by partner country. In November 2025, Namibia recorded trade surpluses with France, valued at N$1.1 billion, Botswana at N$911 million and Zambia at N$574 million.
By contrast, significant trade deficits were recorded with South Africa at N$2.8 billion, China at N$874 million and Italy at N$809 million.
