IMTS Definition
International Merchandise Trade Statistics refers to the official statistics that record the movement of goods across country borders. These statistics are crucial for understanding a country’s trade performance, formulating economic policy, and conducting trade negotiations.
Brief Summary
Namibia’s export earnings for July 2025 stood at N$12.6 billion, reflecting an increase of 3.3 percent when compared to exports recorded in June 2025. Whereas the country’s import bill for the month too stood at N$12.6 billion, reflecting an increase of 11.7 percent from N$11.3 billion recorded in the preceding month. The export and import positions translated into a trade deficit of N$58 million when compared to a surplus of N$856 million recorded in June 2025.
Top 5 Exports
Top 5 Imports
Total exports and imports
During the period under review, the country exported goods to 103 destinations compared to 102 countries recorded in June 2025. Whereas the demand side noted the country importing goods from 160 countries 4 more as to what was recorded in June 2025 (Chart 5). These developments align well with the country’s export and import market diversification agenda.
Trade Balance
In May 2025, the country’s trade balance recorded a surplus of N$121 million, an improvement when compared to a revised deficit of N$1.8 billion recorded in the previous month. Between May 2024 and May 2025, the country experienced persistent trade deficits (Chart 4), with a trade surplus occurring only in May 2025. Over this period, the trade balance averaged a deficit of N$2.9 billion, indicating the country’s continued reliance on foreign goods to satisfy domestic demand.
Trade in AfCFTA
Considering the above and focusing on Namibia’s intra-trade within the AfCFTA context, in July 2025, the country exported goods worth N$5.1 billion to the African continent. Subsequently, the country imported goods worth N$6.1 billion from the continent, yielding a trade deficit of N$1.0 billion. A comparison of Namibia’s trade with Africa and the rest of the world reveals that intra-Africa exports account for 40.7 percent of total exports, while imports from Africa represent 48.7 percent of total imports.
Commodity of the Month
In July 2025, the country exported Blankets valued at N$398 104 (mostly a re-export) destined primarily to Angola. On the other hand, the value of imports for this commodity amounted to N$8.1 million, mainly from South Africa, China and Pakistan. The value of Blankets imported throughout July 2024 to July 2025 averaged N$6.8 million, with the largest value of N$14.4 million recorded in May 2025 and the lowest value of N$2.7 million recorded in September 2024.