Namibia imported fresh and chilled potatoes worth N$21 million during October, putting it on the top list of traded goods for the month.
This was revealed by the Namibia Trade Statistics Bulletin for October.
Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) statistician general Alex Shimuafeni said potatoes showcased an import value of N$21 million in October 2023, primarily from South Africa.
“Over the period from October 2022 to October 2023, the average monthly imports of this commodity stood at N$17,2 million,” said Shimuafeni.
The statistics also showed that South Africa remains Namibia’s largest market for both exports and imports.
The Southern African Customs Union (Sacu) emerged as the primary export market, contributing 35,8% to total exports.
On the import front, Sacu maintained its lead with 44,5% of the total import bill.
According to the report, uranium claimed the largest export share at 19%, followed closely by fish at 16,1% and non-monetary gold at 14,7%.
Furthermore, petroleum oils ranked highest among imports at 16,6%, trailed by motor vehicles for goods transportation at 3,5%.
Sea transport dominated exports, constituting 43,4% of total exports, while road transport prevailed for imports at 61,7%.
During October 2023, Namibia exported goods worth N$3,6 billion to the whole of Africa, of which N$165 600 worth of goods were exported to Lesotho.
On the demand side, the country bought goods from Africa worth N$5,7 billion during the month under review, of which N$916 811 was sourced from Lesotho.
According to the report, Namibia’s trade balance worsened in October 2023 when compared to the preceding month.
“During the month under review, Namibia recorded a trade deficit amounting to N$4,5 billion compared to N$3,3 billion recorded in the previous month,” said Shimuafeni.
This means that Namibia bought more goods than it sold.
The trade deficit registered in October 2023 was higher when compared to the N$2,2 billion deficit recorded in October 2022.
Petroleum oils contributed the most to the trade deficit recording an import bill of N$1,9 billion and a deficit of N$1,3 billion.
In second place were motor vehicles for the transportation of goods, with a deficit of N$359 million.
“On the other hand, Namibia exported uranium worth N$1,3 billion yielding a trade surplus of N$1,3 billion.
Additionally, the country continued to be a net exporter of fish and non-monetary gold during the period under review,” said Shimuafeni.
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