Background
According to the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sector statistical bulletin first quarter of 2022, the value-added for the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sectors for the first quarter of 2022 was estimated at around N$ 3.3 billion in nominal terms (7.2% of GDP) (See figure 1 below). The country’s export earnings from commodities in the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sector amounted to N$ 4.0 billion whereas the import bill stood at N$ 1.1 billion. Total export earnings increased by 11% in relation to the same quarter last year. Fisheries products accounted for the highest foreign earnings at N$ 3.1 billion followed by agriculture commodities which brought income of N$ 564.8 million. This is an indication that Namibia is a net exporter of agriculture, forestry, and fishing commodities (See figure 2).
Analysis
Trade for the fish sector
During the period under review, the fishing sector dominated the export of agriculture, forestry, and fishing commodities for Namibia. Total fish and fish products exported amounted to N$ 3.1 billion accounting for 75.5% of total commodities exported. Total fish and fish products exported rose by 7.4% when compared to the same quarter last year. Horse Mackerel was the main species exported with export earnings of N$989.9 million, followed by hake (N$103.1 million) and albacore (N$44.9 million). The import bill stood at N$ 194.6 million. The import bill increased by 27.7% relative to the same period last year. Sardine was the top imported species with an import bill of N$100.8 million, followed by hake and tilapia with N$18.8 million and N$12.1 million respectively.
Agriculture Trade Pattern
Namibia exported live animals valued at N$ 384 million in quarter 1 of 2022 and exports were dominated by live cattle followed by sheep and goats that were mainly destined for South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, Angola, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. The export of live animals accounted for about 68.2% of total agricultural commodities exported. On the import side, the country imported live animals valued at only N$ 30.7 million.
During the first quarter of 2022, fruits and nuts accounted for about 81.2% of total agricultural commodities exported with grapes, dates, and “mangoes and guavas mangosteens” being the top three exported products in the category. The international demand for Namibian fruits and nuts stood at N$145.7 million while imports amounted to N$84.0 million. The top three imported products under the ‘fruits and nuts’ category were apples, bananas, and grapes with an import value of N$22.1 million, N$9.7 million, and N$8.5 million respectively.
Trade of wood and articles of wood
During the period under review, the country exported wood and articles of wood valued at N$ 322.4 million. The import bill for wood products amounted to N$ 104.6 million. The export of wood products is dominated by wood charcoal which accounted for 88.6% of total wood products exported.
It is clear that there is a market for Namibia for these commodities, thus it is imperative to invest in these sectors. Investment in these sectors could create high employment opportunities, especially for the youth and these will also help increase production and grow the economy. Additionally, the beneficiation and value addition to all agriculture, forestry, and fishing commodities in the domestic market should be explored for economic growth.
Figure 1: Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing sector % share to GDP (2021Q1 – 2022Q1)
Figure 2: Top exported Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing commodities for Quarter 1 of 2022
