Namibia beverage imports surge above exports
Namibia records a sustained beverage trade deficit as imports consistently outpace exports, highlighting strong dependence on regional and international supply chains across alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
NAMIBIA – Imports of beverages into Namibia continued to far exceed exports between April 2025 and April 2026, averaging N$327 million (US$20.25M) per month compared to average monthly exports of N$90 million (US$5.57M), according to the latest trade statistics.
The data shows that beverage imports peaked at N$677 million (US$41.93M) in October 2025, marking the highest monthly value recorded during the 13-month period under review. Imports remained above N$300 million (US$18.58M) for most of the period, reflecting Namibia’s continued reliance on imported alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Exports, by contrast, reached their highest level in November 2025 at N$179 million (US$11.09M). The lowest export value was recorded in September 2025, when beverage exports stood at N$51 million (US$3.16M). By April 2026, exports had risen to N$108 million (US$6.69M).
“Imports ranged from N$242 million in April 2025 to a peak of N$677 million in October 2025 before easing in subsequent months,” the data showed, noting continued volatility in trade flows. “Exports remained below N$100 million for most of the period despite occasional increases.”
The statistics also highlight a persistent gap between imports and exports across the beverage sector, covering both alcoholic and non-alcoholic products.
According to the Namibia Statistics Agency, Namibia’s intra-African exports were valued at N$5.5 billion (US$340.63M) in April, while imports from the continent stood at N$7.7 billion (US$476.89M), resulting in a trade deficit of N$2.3 billion (US$142.45M) and total trade of N$13.2 billion (US$817.52M).
The agency stated that intra-African trade remains central to Namibia’s external commerce, with exports to Africa accounting for 56.1% of total exports and imports from Africa representing 54.7% of total imports.
It noted that “more than half of Namibia’s trade is regionally concentrated,” underscoring the importance of African markets in shaping trade outcomes.
Namibia’s exports were mainly absorbed by South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Zimbabwe. Imports also largely originated from these markets, although Nigeria and Morocco replaced Zimbabwe and Botswana among key suppliers.
The data points to sustained structural dependence on regional supply chains, with beverage imports continuing to outweigh export performance throughout the review period.
Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
