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
The country reported an export value to the tune of N$12.4 billion in May 2026, which reflected a 25.9 percent increase when compared to the export value recorded the previous month. Similarly, the country spent N$15.5 billion on imports, a 9.3 percent increase when compared to the import value recorded in April 2026. The export and import positions translated into a significant trade deficit of N$3.1 billion.
Top 5 Exports
Top 5 Imports
Total exports and imports
During the period under review, the country exported goods to a total of 101 markets, which is four (4) fewer than the markets recorded in April 2026. Whereas the demand side observed the country importing goods from 163 markets across the world, which is six (6) more than the markets recorded in April 2026 (Chart 5). These developments are well aligned with the country’s export and import market diversification agenda.
Trade Balance
In May 2026, the country’s trade balance (the difference between exports and imports) reflected an improved trade deficit valued at N$3.1 billion, after recording a N$4.4 billion deficit in April 2026. However, a trade surplus of N$115 million was recorded in May 2025. Between May 2025 and May 2026, the country experienced persistent trade deficits (Chart 4), with consecutive trade surpluses occurring only in May, June, and July 2025, as well as in January 2026. Over this period, the trade balance averaged a deficit of N$2.3 billion, indicating the country’s continued reliance on foreign goods to meet domestic demand.
Trade in AfCFTA
Considering the above and focusing on Namibia’s intra-trade within the AfCFTA context, in October 2025, the country exported goods worth N$5.6 billion to the African continent. On the other hand, the country imported goods worth N$7.6 billion from the continent, yielding a trade deficit of N$2.0 billion and total trade of N$13.2 billion. A comparison of Namibia’s trade with Africa and the rest of the world reveals that intra-Africa exports account for 42.4 percent of total exports, while imports from Africa represent 47.2 percent of total imports. This implies that 57.6 percent of Namibia’s export deals were concluded with countries outside the AfCFTA. Similarly, 52.8 percent of import contracts were concluded with countries outside the AfCFTA.
Commodity of the Month
In October 2025, the country imported pesticides valued at N$48 million, mostly sourced from South Africa and Spain. On the other hand, the country exported pesticides worth N$57 393 to Angola and Panama.