Namibia returned to a trade surplus in January 2026, buoyed by strong food exports, according to the latest Merchandise Trade Bulletin released by the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA).
The country recorded an overall trade surplus of N$193 million during the month, a marked improvement from the N$391 million deficit registered in December 2025.
Total export earnings rose by 6.7 percent to N$11.4 billion, while imports stood at N$11.2 billion.
“In January 2026, Namibia’s trade balance, the difference between the country’s exports and imports, recorded a surplus of N$193 million. This development reflects a notable improved trade balance when compared to a N$391 million deficit recorded a month earlier. Further analysis shows a N$2.9 billion deficit recorded year-on-year,” the NSA said.
Food items played a central role in the improved performance. The country recorded a substantial N$1.2 billion trade surplus in food products during January, the highest monthly surplus observed over the past year.
Fish emerged as the leading food export, valued at N$1.3 billion, and was the only non-mineral product to feature among Namibia’s top five overall export categories. The fruit and nuts segment contributed a further N$340 million in export earnings.
The NSA reported that between January 2025 and January 2026, Namibia’s trade in food items averaged a surplus of N$459 million. The N$1.154 billion surplus recorded in January 2026 was the highest over the period, followed by December 2025 at N$869 million and July 2025 at N$792 million. No trade deficits in food items were recorded during the 12-month period.
Despite the monthly recovery, Namibia’s year-on-year trade position remains under pressure, with a N$2.9 billion deficit compared to January 2025.
On the global front, Namibia posted its largest trade surpluses with France, amounting to N$1.2 billion, and Botswana at N$748 million. The largest trade deficit was recorded against South Africa, at N$927 million.
South Africa remained Namibia’s most significant trading partner. It was the leading export destination, accounting for 22.6 percent of total exports, followed by China at 20.0 percent. France, Zambia and Botswana also ranked among the top five export markets.
In terms of imports, South Africa accounted for 31.2 percent of goods imported into Namibia, followed by China at 16.3 percent. Zambia, India and Bahrain completed the list of the country’s top five import sources.
Regionally, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries were the primary destination for Namibian exports, with a 30.9 percent share. The Southern African Customs Union (SACU) remained the largest source of imports, accounting for 31.9 percent.
Sea transport handled the bulk of exports, at 56.0 percent, while road transport dominated imports, carrying 56.3 percent of inbound goods.
The latest figures point to the continued importance of food exports, particularly fish, in supporting Namibia’s external trade position alongside its dominant mining sector.
