Namibia recorded a 21% increase in fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates exports reaching a valuation of N$3.4 billion during the third quarter of 2023, official data reveals.
According to Namibia Statistics Agency Statistician General and Chief Executive Officer Alex Shimuafeni, the exports represent a substantial increase compared to the N$2.8 billion exported in the corresponding quarter of 2022.
NSA noted that products of fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates for the quarter under review were mainly exported to Spain at 37.9%.
“Products destined to Spain were mainly frozen fillets of hake. The second export destination was Zambia accounting for 20.7% share, the product exported to this country was mainly horse mackerel,” said Shimuafeni.
South Africa was in third place accounting for a share of 8.8% of total exports with frozen fillets of hake topping the list of products destined to the neighbouring country.
This comes as total landings of quota species in the third quarter of 2023 amounted to 77,511 metric tonnes.
“This is a decline of 5.3% when compared to 81,846 metric tonnes recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2022,” said Shimuafeni.
Most fish species landings dropped except for hake which recorded an increase of 10.2% for the third quarter of 2023.
Hake recorded the highest landings of 46,442 metric tonnes, followed by horse mackerel registering 27,135 metric tonnes and tuna in third place posting 1,952 metric tonnes.
In terms of imports, NSA noted that the value of fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates for the period under review stood at N$130.5 million compared to N$439.6 million recorded in the third quarter of 2022.
Products of fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates were mainly imported from South Africa, accounting for 36.0 % (mainly importing hake).
“Spain in second place accounting for 18.3% share of imports and products that were imported from this country were mainly cuttlefish and squid,” said the CEO.
Namibia also imported products of fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates from Falkland Island (16.5%).
Products mainly imported from Falkland Island were cuttlefish and squid.
