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The twenty imports Namibia is best placed to replace.

Namibia imported USD 6.3bn of manufactured goods in 2024 and exported USD 2.8bn. These are the twenty that sit closest to what it already makes well and where one country supplies most of them.

USD 632mthe twenty, imported in 2024
37products imported at scale, not yet exported well, and close to existing strengths
287products Namibia already exports well
132product lines imported at USD 10m or more
The twenty

Demand, capability, exposure. Nothing else is claimed.

Each line shows the import bill, where it comes from, the nearest thing Namibia already exports well, and how many countries make it. It does not say whether a plant in Namibia would pay. That reason is not in any trade record, and it is the maker's question.

This edition is trade and capability only, scored out of 8. The UK edition adds which public bodies buy each product and which region holds the capability; those layers are built only where a country publishes contract awards and regional trade, and Namibia does not publish them in a form this record can read yet.

  1. 1

    Sugars: sucrose, chemically pure, in solid form, not containing added flavouring or colouring matterHS 170199

    Comes fromSouth Africa 93%, 15 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone in the same chapter
    Exports of this lineUSD 2m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 12m
    Countries that export it well44

    Score 7 of 8: import bill USD 73m, top 5 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Namibia's export strengths in the top 17 per cent (2); South Africa supplies 93 per cent (2).

    USD 73mup 24% on 2022
  2. 2

    Aeroplanes and other aircraft, except unmanned: of an unladen weight exceeding 15,000kgHS 880240

    Comes fromChina 100%, 2 source countries
    Nearest export strengthAeroplanes and other aircraft, except unmanned: of an unladen weight... (exports USD 468k)
    Exports of this linenone recorded; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 41m
    Countries that export it well20

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 119m, top 2 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Namibia's export strengths in the top 35 per cent (1); China supplies 100 per cent (2).

    USD 119mfrom USD 7m in 2022
  3. 3

    Dog or cat food: (not put up for retail sale), used in animal feedingHS 230990

    Comes fromSouth Africa 92%, 22 source countries
    Nearest export strengthFlours, meals and pellets: of fish or of crustaceans, molluscs or... (exports USD 9m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 2m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 11m
    Countries that export it well48

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 38m, top 14 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Namibia's export strengths in the top 23 per cent (2); South Africa supplies 92 per cent (2).

    USD 38mup 15% on 2022
  4. 4

    Wine: still, in containers holding 2 litres or lessHS 220421

    Comes fromSouth Africa 98%, 18 source countries
    Nearest export strengthBeer: made from malt (exports USD 68m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 3m
    Countries that export it well21

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 34m, top 19 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Namibia's export strengths in the top 17 per cent (2); South Africa supplies 98 per cent (2).

    USD 34mup 12% on 2022
  5. 5

    Cigarettes: containing tobaccoHS 240220

    Comes fromSouth Africa 72%, 24 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone in the same chapter
    Exports of this lineUSD 1m
    Countries that export it well41

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 28m, top 23 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Namibia's export strengths in the top 23 per cent (2); South Africa supplies 72 per cent (2).

    USD 28mdown 6% on 2022
  6. 6

    Medicaments: consisting of mixed or unmixed products n.e.c. in heading no. 3004, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses...HS 300490

    Comes fromSouth Africa 55%, 69 source countries
    Nearest export strengthMeat: salted, in brine, dried or smoked, of bovine animals
    Exports of this lineUSD 1m
    Countries that export it well32

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 93m, top 4 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Namibia's export strengths in the top 48 per cent (1); South Africa supplies 55 per cent (1).

    USD 93mup 36% on 2022
  7. 7

    Cosmetic and toilet preparations: n.e.c. in heading no. 3304, for the care of the skin (excluding medicaments...HS 330499

    Comes fromSouth Africa 86%, 68 source countries
    Nearest export strengthOils, essential: concentrates in fats, fixed oils, waxes and the... (exports USD 1m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 741k
    Countries that export it well30

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 38m, top 14 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Namibia's export strengths in the top 45 per cent (1); South Africa supplies 86 per cent (2).

    USD 38mup 24% on 2022
  8. 8

    Waters: including mineral and aerated, containing added sugar or other sweetening matter or flavouredHS 220210

    Comes fromSouth Africa 87%, 30 source countries
    Nearest export strengthBeer: made from malt (exports USD 68m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 205k
    Countries that export it well60

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 28m, top 26 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Namibia's export strengths in the top 27 per cent (1); South Africa supplies 87 per cent (2).

    USD 28mup 55% on 2022
  9. 9

    Sanitary towels (pads) and tampons, napkins (diapers), napkin liners and similar articles, of any materialHS 961900

    Comes fromSouth Africa 95%, 31 source countries
    Nearest export strengthBone, tortoise shell, horn, antlers, coral, mother-of-pearl and... (exports USD 329k)
    Exports of this lineUSD 142k
    Countries that export it well34

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 21m, top 45 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Namibia's export strengths in the top 36 per cent (1); South Africa supplies 95 per cent (2).

    USD 21mdown 13% on 2022
  10. 10

    Sugar confectionery: (excluding chewing gum, including white chocolate), not containing cocoaHS 170490

    Comes fromSouth Africa 93%, 43 source countries
    Nearest export strengthWashing and cleaning preparations: surface-active, whether or not...
    Exports of this lineUSD 41k
    Countries that export it well37

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 19m, top 50 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Namibia's export strengths in the top 31 per cent (1); South Africa supplies 93 per cent (2).

    USD 19mup 5% on 2022
  11. 11

    Sauces and preparations therefor: mixed condiments and mixed seasoningsHS 210390

    Comes fromSouth Africa 97%, 36 source countries
    Nearest export strengthWashing and cleaning preparations: surface-active, whether or not...
    Exports of this lineUSD 168k
    Countries that export it well45

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 16m, top 64 per cent of candidates (0); proximity to Namibia's export strengths in the top 22 per cent (2); South Africa supplies 97 per cent (2).

    USD 16mup 7% on 2022
  12. 12

    Fertilizers, mineral or chemical: n.e.c. in heading no. 3105HS 310590

    Comes fromSouth Africa 99%, 11 source countries
    Nearest export strengthFertilizers, mineral or chemical: ammonium dihydrogenorthophosphate... (exports USD 30m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 9k
    Countries that export it well30

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 14m, top 68 per cent of candidates (0); proximity to Namibia's export strengths in the top 14 per cent (2); South Africa supplies 99 per cent (2).

    USD 14mdown 27% on 2022
  13. 13

    Wood: coniferous species, of pine (Pinus spp.), sawn or chipped lengthwise, sliced or peeled, whether or not planed...HS 440711

    Comes fromSouth Africa 68%, 4 source countries
    Nearest export strengthWood: charcoal of wood other than bamboo, nut or shell, whether or... (exports USD 95m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 1k
    Countries that export it well22

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 11m, top 83 per cent of candidates (0); proximity to Namibia's export strengths in the top 11 per cent (2); South Africa supplies 68 per cent (2).

    USD 11mdown 2% on 2022
  14. 14

    Vessels: other, including lifeboats other than rowing boats, other than warshipsHS 890690

    Comes fromAngola 88%, 8 source countries
    Nearest export strengthFloating structures: tanks, coffer-dams, landing stages, buoys and... (exports USD 533k)
    Exports of this lineUSD 598k
    Countries that export it well20

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 11m, top 89 per cent of candidates (0); proximity to Namibia's export strengths in the top 20 per cent (2); Angola supplies 88 per cent (2).

    USD 11mfrom USD 309k in 2022
  15. 15

    Food preparations: cereal or cereal products (excluding maize), in grain form, pre-cooked or otherwise preparedHS 190490

    Comes fromSouth Africa 91%, 17 source countries
    Nearest export strengthFood preparations: pasta (excluding stuffed), cooked or otherwise... (exports USD 20m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 597k
    Countries that export it well34

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 10m, top 95 per cent of candidates (0); proximity to Namibia's export strengths in the top 25 per cent (2); South Africa supplies 91 per cent (2).

    USD 10mup 36% on 2022
  16. 16

    Protein: concentrates and textured protein substancesHS 210610

    Comes fromSouth Africa 82%, 25 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone in the same chapter
    Exports of this lineUSD 26k; 1 more line in the heading, USD 18m
    Countries that export it well26

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 10m, top 97 per cent of candidates (0); proximity to Namibia's export strengths in the top 21 per cent (2); South Africa supplies 82 per cent (2).

    USD 10mup 162% on 2022
  17. 17

    Soups and broths and preparations thereforHS 210410

    Comes fromSouth Africa 99%, 17 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone in the same chapter
    Exports of this lineUSD 2k
    Countries that export it well31

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 10m, top 98 per cent of candidates (0); proximity to Namibia's export strengths in the top 16 per cent (2); South Africa supplies 99 per cent (2).

    USD 10mup 33% on 2022
  18. 18

    Iron or steel: structures and parts thereof, n.e.c. in heading 7308HS 730890

    Comes fromSouth Africa 57%, 36 source countries
    Nearest export strengthIron or steel: grinding balls and similar articles for mills, forged... (exports USD 13m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 2m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 10m
    Countries that export it well33

    Score 3 of 8: import bill USD 24m, top 34 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Namibia's export strengths in the top 45 per cent (1); South Africa supplies 57 per cent (1).

    USD 24mdown 17% on 2022
  19. 19

    Vehicles: public transport type (carries 10 or more persons, including driver), with only compression-ignition...HS 870210

    Comes fromSouth Africa 61%, 11 source countries
    Nearest export strengthVehicles: dumpers, designed for off-highway use, for transport of... (exports USD 10m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 120k
    Countries that export it well30

    Score 3 of 8: import bill USD 18m, top 52 per cent of candidates (0); proximity to Namibia's export strengths in the top 47 per cent (1); South Africa supplies 61 per cent (2).

    USD 18mup 227% on 2022
  20. 20

    Tugs and pusher craftHS 890400

    Comes fromAngola 100%, 2 source countries
    Nearest export strengthFloating structures: tanks, coffer-dams, landing stages, buoys and... (exports USD 533k)
    Exports of this linenone recorded
    Countries that export it well22

    Score 3 of 8: import bill USD 16m, top 60 per cent of candidates (0); proximity to Namibia's export strengths in the top 37 per cent (1); Angola supplies 100 per cent (2).

    USD 16mfrom USD 9k in 2022

One line per customs heading. Products Namibia already exports well and still imports are below, because they are a different conversation. No employment figures appear on this page, by decision.

Made here already, still imported

Scale conversations, not capability ones.

  • Machines, for sorting, screening, separating, washing, crushing etc mineral... imports USD 55m, exports USD 4m, top source South Africa 53%
  • Vehicles: dumpers, designed for off-highway use, for transport of goods imports USD 55m, exports USD 10m, top source China 36%
  • Fertilizers, mineral or chemical: nitrogenous, ammonium nitrate, whether or... imports USD 38m, exports USD 1m, top source South Africa 38%
  • Chemical products, mixtures and preparations: n.e.c. heading 3824 imports USD 48m, exports USD 17m, top source South Africa 37%
  • Boring or sinking machinery: parts for boring or sinking machinery of... imports USD 37m, exports USD 10m, top source Norway 35%
  • Cobalt oxides and hydroxides: commercial cobalt oxides imports USD 144m, exports USD 119m, top source Democratic Republic of the Congo 99%
  • Sulphur of all kinds: other than sublimed, precipitated and colloidal sulphur imports USD 36m, exports USD 11m, top source United Arab Emirates 50%
  • Rubber: new pneumatic tyres, of a kind used on construction, mining or... imports USD 68m, exports USD 46m, top source Japan 47%
  • Washing and cleaning preparations: surface-active, whether or not containing... imports USD 27m, exports USD 5m, top source South Africa 79%
  • Fertilizers, mineral or chemical: nitrogenous, urea, whether or not in aqueous... imports USD 37m, exports USD 19m, top source Nigeria 69%
How the twenty were chosen

Three scores, each from a field the record carries.

Import bill, 0 to 3, by percentile among the 132 lines imported at USD 10m or more: above the median one point, top quarter two, top tenth three.

Proximity to export strengths, 0 to 3, on the same percentiles: the product-space method (Hidalgo, Klinger, Barabasi and Hausmann, Science 2007) on CEPII's BACI file of every bilateral trade flow for 2024, 157 countries and 5,388 products. Two products are close when the countries that export one well tend to export the other well. Only products in the upper half for proximity can enter the list at all: best placed is a proximity claim.

Supply concentration, 0 to 2: one point when a single country supplies 40 per cent or more, two at 60 per cent.

Scope. Manufactured goods, customs chapters 16 to 96, excluding ores, fuels and precious metals. Primary agriculture is out of scope for a page about manufacture.

What it cannot tell you

A map of where to look.

Trade data says what crossed the border, not why. Cost, scale, patents, tariffs and the plain fact that a supplier is good at it are all invisible here. The world file reconciles what each pair of countries reports, so a national customs file would differ in detail. Nothing on this page is a forecast or a promise.

Source: CEPII BACI, HS22, version 202601, years 2022 to 2024. Edition of 2026-11-02. The UK edition with its procurement and regional layers is at /made-here/.

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