Namibia exported goods worth N$18 billion in the first two months of 2026, according to the latest data from the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA).
This represents a decline from the N$19.8 billion recorded over the same period in 2025. Imports also decreased year-on-year, falling to N$23.0 billion from N$24.9 billion.
The NSA noted that cumulative export performance remained significant despite the contraction.
“Namibia’s 2026 cumulative exports amounted to N$18.0 billion by February 2026, reflecting a decrease compared to N$19.8 billion registered over the same period last year,” the agency said.
However, February saw a sharp reversal in the country’s trade position. Namibia moved from a surplus of N$198 million in January to a deficit of N$5.2 billion in February.
The shift was driven by a 42.2% month-on-month drop in exports to N$6.6 billion, while imports increased by 5.3% to N$11.8 billion.
Fish exports remained a major contributor, generating N$1.3 billion in February and accounting for 20.3% of total export earnings. In contrast, fish imports were limited to N$36 million. Key export markets for fish included Zambia, Spain and Italy.
Within regional trade, fish dominated exports to both the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), excluding the Southern African Customs Union (SACU).
The strong performance in fish supported an overall food trade surplus of N$513 million. However, Namibia remained a net importer of beverages, recording a deficit of N$200 million.
“A closer review of trade in food items shows that Namibia was a net exporter of food, with a surplus of N$513 million, while remaining a net importer of beverages, with a deficit of N$200 million,” the NSA said.
Transport and logistics continued to underpin trade activity. Road transport accounted for 34.8% of exports and 61.7% of imports, with sea and air transport handling the remainder.
South Africa remained Namibia’s largest trading partner for both exports and imports, anchoring trade within the Southern African Customs Union.
Other key export destinations included Spain, the United Arab Emirates, Botswana and Zambia, while China, Bahrain, Oman and Latvia featured among the main sources of imports.
“The February 2026 figures show Namibia recorded trade surpluses with Spain (N$286 million), the United Arab Emirates (N$279 million) and Botswana (N$227 million). Conversely, deficits were recorded with South Africa (N$1.8 billion), China (N$925 million) and Bahrain (N$734 million),” the NSA said.
