Namibia’s exports to EU double over two decades, surpassing N$20 billion

Namibia’s exports to the European Union (EU) have more than doubled in the past two decades, rising from approximately N$9 billion in 2004 to over N$20 billion in 2023, according to the EU-Namibia Trade Statistics bulletin.

The report underscores the EU’s role as a key trading partner for Namibia, with a broad range of goods forming the bulk of exports.

“The EU and its 27 member states trade as a single bloc. For two decades, it has been one of Namibia’s largest trade partners. Crucially, Namibia enjoys a positive trade surplus with the EU driving sustainable growth. This growing partnership strengthens our ties and creates jobs and opportunities for Namibians. It is truly a partnership that works,” saya European Union ambassador to Namibia Ana-Beatriz Martins.

According to the author of the trade statistics report, Robin Sherbourne, Namibia exports nine main product groups to the EU, with some commodities destined for specific member states while others are distributed across multiple markets.

In 2023, frozen hake fillets, fresh hake and other fish products were mainly exported to Spain, but also reached the Netherlands, France, Italy, Germany and other EU countries.

Refined copper was primarily exported to Belgium and the Netherlands, while rough diamonds were mainly shipped to Belgium. Uranium exports were destined for France, and meat and meat products were largely exported to Germany.

Charcoal products were mainly sent to the Netherlands and Germany, with some shipments to Belgium, Spain, and other EU countries. Fresh grapes were primarily exported to Italy, while marble was also mainly sent to Italy. Namibia’s hides found markets in Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Germany, and other EU countries.

“Namibia has normally exported more to the EU than it has imported from it and has, therefore, run a trade surplus with the EU almost every year since 2004,” Sherbourne says

H says over the past three years, the EU has consistently ranked as Namibia’s largest export market, surpassing other major trading partners. Namibia’s exports to the EU are notably more diversified compared to those sent to other regions.

In 2023, fish accounted for 38.3% of total exports to the EU, followed by copper at 23.2%, and ores, slag, and ash at 12.6%. Precious stones and metals made up 10% of exports, while meat contributed 3.9%. Other export categories included wood and charcoal at 3.2%, chemicals and compounds at 3.4%, edible fruit and nuts at 2.2%, mineral fuels and oils at 2.1%, and salt at 1.1%.

“Seven EU countries Belgium, Spain, the Netherlands, France, Italy, Germany, and Portugal accounted for 95% of Namibia’s exports to the bloc in 2023. But the strength of this relationship isn’t just in numbers; it’s in the diversity of goods traded,” Sherbourne says.