Walvis Bay handles N$13.2 billion in September trade
Namibia's trade deficit widened to N$4.7 billion as imports outpaced exports, with the port handling the bulk of goods by value.
In September, the port of Walvis Bay handled a combined N$13.2 billion in imports and exports, according to the latest bulletin from the Namibia Statistics Agency. The country's trade deficit reached N$4.7 billion for the month, as imports of N$16.9 billion outstripped exports of N$12.2 billion.
Walvis Bay moved N$6.3 billion of outbound cargo and received N$6.9 billion in imports, making it the largest point of trade by value on both sides. Sea transport carried 53.5% of export value, shipping N$6.5 billion in goods, mainly uranium, nickel ores and base metal ores. Road transport moved the greatest physical volume of exports, led by petroleum oils, sulphur and fish.
China absorbed 36.2% of Namibia's export revenue, driven largely by maritime uranium shipments, while South Africa supplied 30.7% of the import bill. The agency's data show strong mineral exports and steady demand for fuel and industrial inputs shaped the month's trade.
Why it mattersNamibian importers and exporters move goods through Walvis Bay and the border posts, so the N$4.7 billion deficit reflects costs and volumes they handle directly.