Namibia exported N$148.00 billion (US$9.13 billion) worth of mining and energy-related products to South Africa between January and May 2026, maintaining a trade surplus of more than N$76 billion as mineral exports continued to dominate bilateral trade.
According to trade data released by the South African Revenue Service (SARS), South Africa exported N$71.95 billion (US$4.44 billion) worth of mining and energy products to Namibia over the same period, leaving Namibia with a N$76.05 billion (US$4.69 billion) surplus in the sector.
The figures highlight the continued importance of Namibia’s mining industry in regional trade, with precious metals remaining the country’s largest export category.
In 2025, Namibia exported N$347.44 billion (US$21.45 billion) worth of precious metals to South Africa. Other major mining exports included iron and steel products valued at N$8.96 billion (US$553.29 million), mineral products worth N$6.63 billion (US$409.16 million) and chemicals amounting to N$434.35 million (US$26.81 million).
The latest figures follow another strong year in 2025, when Namibia exported N$368.57 billion (US$22.75 billion) in mining and energy-related products to South Africa, compared with N$69.03 billion (US$4.26 billion) in exports from South Africa to Namibia.
South Africa’s mining and energy exports to Namibia were led by chemicals, valued at N$149.03 billion (US$9.20 billion), followed by iron and steel products worth N$83.08 billion (US$5.13 billion), mineral products at N$69.02 billion (US$4.26 billion) and precious metals worth N$1.23 billion (US$75.80 million).
Despite maintaining a sizeable trade surplus, Namibia’s exports moderated during the first five months of 2026. On an annualised basis, mining and energy exports to South Africa declined by 19.6%, falling from N$368.57 billion in 2025 to N$148.00 billion between January and May 2026.
By contrast, South Africa’s mining and energy exports to Namibia increased by an annualised 4.25%, rising from N$69.03 billion in 2025 to the equivalent of N$71.95 billion during the January to May 2026 period.
The data nevertheless confirms that mining and energy products remain the cornerstone of Namibia’s exports to South Africa, underpinning the country’s positive trade balance with its largest regional trading partner.
