Namibia’s import value increased to N$12.8 billion in March this year rebounding from N$12.2 billion in February. According to Simonis Storm economist Almandro Jansen this growth was primarily driven by a significant rise in petroleum oil imports, which increased by N$999 million, alongside increases in precision instruments, industrial machinery, maize and tractors. “The import composition continues to reflect structural dependencies on energy products, transport equipment and intermediate goods for domestic production,” he says. Jansen says that imports from South Africa grew to a 39.4% share, and India (9.3%), China and the Democratic Republic of Congo remained key suppliers while Oman contributed strongly, especially to energy imports. “These trade dynamics underscore Namibia’s integration into both regional and global supply chains but also highlight the need for policies supporting energy security, food production and local manufacturing capacity,” he says. The post Namibia’s import value increase to N$12.8b in March appeared first on The Namibian.