The Port of Walvis Bay processed a combined N$7.6 billion in exports and imports in December 2025, maintaining its position as Namibia’s primary trade gateway by value, according to the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA).
Exports through the harbour amounted to N$3.9 billion, while imports totalled N$3.7 billion during the month.
NSA border post data shows that Walvis Bay led all entry and exit points in both export and import activity. Export flows through the port exceeded those recorded at air and land crossings, while import cargo handled at the harbour surpassed volumes processed at Ariamsvlei, the Trans Kalahari Corridor and Noordoewer.
“In December 2025, sea transportation maintained the top position as the leading mode of transport for exports, handling exports worth N$4.0 billion. This export value represents a 37.6% share of the total exports during the reference period. The basket of exports via sea comprised mainly of uranium, ores and concentrates of base metals, and fish,” the NSA said.
Time-series data shows that export values moving through Walvis Bay moderated towards year-end. After rising to about N$7.3 billion in October, export trade eased to approximately N$3.9 billion in December. Imports followed a similar trend, closing the month at about N$3.7 billion after fluctuating between N$3.5 billion and N$4.8 billion during mid-year.
Commodity exports through the harbour were led by uranium, valued at around N$1.8 billion. Fish exports reached approximately N$0.4 billion, while base metal ores accounted for about N$0.37 billion.
On the import side, petroleum oils dominated at roughly N$1.4 billion, followed by commercial motor vehicles at N$0.5 billion and thermionic valves and tubes at approximately N$0.16 billion.
“During the month under review, 178,149 tonnes of goods were recorded as exported via sea, representing an increase of 89.9% month-on-month and a decrease of 14.7% year-on-year,” the agency said.
Sea cargo volumes reflected mixed trends compared with previous periods, as export tonnage increased sharply on a monthly basis while annual comparisons showed lower throughput.
Import volumes entering by sea reached 204,900 tonnes in December, down from both the preceding month and the same period a year earlier.
The NSA said Walvis Bay continues to handle the largest share of Namibia’s seaborne trade, reinforcing its central role in facilitating mineral, energy and manufactured goods moving into and out of the country.
“December 2025 saw 204,900 tonnes of goods entering the country by sea, translating into decreases of 29.1% and 16.3% when compared to 289,052 tonnes recorded in the previous month and 244,784 tonnes recorded in December 2024, respectively,” the NSA said.
