Namibia: Namibia has recorded a trade surplus of N.dollars 193 million in January 2026, driven by stronger export earnings and a decline in import expenditure, according to the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA).

According to Namibia Press Agency, the latest International Merchandise Trade Statistics Bulletin released by the NSA on Tuesday indicates that exports for the month stood at N.dollars 11.4 billion, marking a 6.7 per cent increase from December 2025. In contrast, imports fell to N.dollars 11.2 billion, down by N.dollars 138 million from the previous month.

The January surplus marks a major turnaround from the N.dollars 391 million deficit recorded in December, as well as a significant improvement compared to the N.dollars 2.9 billion deficit registered in January 2025. Mining continued to anchor export performance, with uranium remaining Namibia's top export commodity, accounting for 26.3 per cent of total export earnings. Non-monetary gold, fish, diamonds, and ores and concentrates of base metals were also significant contributors to export earnings.

On the import side, petroleum oils dominated, representing 16.9 per cent of all imports. Other major imports included nickel ores and concentrates, motor vehicles for commercial purposes, steam and vapour generating boilers, and motor vehicles for passenger transport.

South Africa maintained its position as Namibia's largest trading partner for both exports and imports, absorbing the largest share of Namibia's export basket while supplying 31.9 per cent of all imported goods. China, France, Zambia, and Botswana also ranked among the top export destinations, with China playing a strong role in uranium demand.

In terms of transportation, sea freight carried the bulk of export value at 56 per cent, while road transport managed 56.3 per cent of total imports. Namibia continued to be a net exporter of food items, recording a N.dollars 1.2 billion surplus, largely driven by fish and fruit exports. However, beverages recorded a deficit of N.dollars 240 million.

Honey was highlighted as the commodity of the month, with imports worth N.dollars 234 125, mainly from South Africa.