Namibia’s trade map favours Washington

Ties that bind?
United States' trade with Namibia dwarfs Russia relationship
Ogone Tlhage
  • 1 Hour Ago

Namibia’s trade relationship with the United States (US) is significantly larger than its trade with Russia, with exports to the US reaching N$3.8 billion in 2025 compared with N$65.3 million to Russia.


The figures are contained in the Namibia Quarterly Economic Review for July to September 2026, published by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), using Namibia Statistics Agency data.


Namibia’s exports to the US increased from N$2.4 billion in 2024 to N$3.8 billion in 2025, while the country’s exports to Russia fell from N$100.1 million to N$65.3 million over the same period.


The figures mean Namibia exported almost 60 times more goods to the US than to Russia in 2025.


The US was Namibia’s sixth-largest export destination in 2025, improving from eighth place the previous year.


Russia, meanwhile, ranked 33rd, down from 30th in 2024.


Namibia’s exports to the US were led by uranium, lime and cement, other crude minerals, fish, and fruits and nuts.


Exports to Russia were dominated by crustaceans and fruits and nuts.


The trade relationship with Russia is more significant on the import side, with wheat and fertilisers among the main products imported from the country.


Russia is a major global producer of both commodities.


The review also notes that Namibia may indirectly have imported petroleum products originating from Russia through Indian refineries, although the available trade data does not establish this conclusively.


Namibia’s overall exports increased from N$79.4 billion in 2024 to N$90.4 billion in 2025.


The US relationship also has a strategic dimension beyond direct trade. Namibia is a significant uranium producer, while diamonds mined in Namibia can ultimately reach US consumers through international jewellery markets.