Walvis Bay dominates Namibia’s trade

The harbour town of Walvis Bay has solidified its position as a key trading outlet, accounting for almost N$5 billion of Namibia’s exports, latest trading data by the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) showed.

“Walvis Bay harbour was the main border post for export valued at N$4.7 billion followed by Eros Airport and Katima Mulilo border post with N$2.5 billion and N$1.5 billion, respectively,” the NSA said.

On the contrary, the harbour town also saw imports to the tune of almost N$7 billion.

“The demand side saw Walvis Bay harbour maintaining its position as the key import office attracting N$6.8 billion ahead of Ariamsvlei border post and Trans Kalahari border post with respective values of N$2.3 billion and N$1.5 billion,” the NSA said.

In terms of modes of transport, Namibia exported goods to the value of N$5 billion via maritime transport.

“January 2025 data saw maritime transport maintaining the top position as the most common mode of transport for exports, handling exports to the tune of N$5 billion. This export value represents 46.5% of total exports that left the country during the reference period,” the NSA said.

“The basket of maritime exports consisted mainly of uranium and fish. The second most common mode of transport for exports was air which accounted for 27.2% of total exports and its export basket was mainly made up of non-monetary gold and precious stones.

Lastly, road transportation accounted for 26.4% with petroleum oils, fish and fertilisers being the highest-valued commodities transported via the respective mode,” it added.

During January 2025, the country’s trade balance stood at a deficit of N$2.7 billion, which is worse when compared to a deficit of N$129 million and N$2.1 billion recorded in December 2024 and January 2024, respectively.