Botsuana - Balanza comercial

Botswana posted a trade gap of BWP 740.7 million in September 2019 compared to a surplus of BWP 665.7 million in the same month of the previous year. Exports plunged 29.8 percent to BWP 4,250.6 million, largely due to declines in shipments of diamonds (-29.4 percent) and salt & soda ash (-74.7 percent). Main export partners were Belgium (17 percent of total sales), South Africa (15.2 percent), India (14.5 percent) and Switzerland (14.2 percent). Imports fell 2.7 percent to BWP 5,247.1 million, mainly dragged down by lower purchases of diamonds (-16.8 percent); fuel (-9.1 percent) and machinery & electrical equipment (-6.1 percent). Main import partners were South Africa (70.8 percent of total acquisitions), Namibia (10.3 percent) and Canada (4.6 percent).

Botswana's trade deficit rose to BWP 1,370.8 million in August 2019 from BWP 1,223.5 million in the corresponding month of the previous year. Exports fell 4.2 percent to BWP 3,700.4 million, mainly dragged down by shipments of meat & meat products (-48.6 percent); machinery & electrical equipment (-15.4 percent) and diamonds (-0.8 percent). Main export partners were the UAE (25.3 percent of total overseas sales), India (19.7 percent), Belgium (12.6 percent) and South Africa (12.4 percent). Meanwhile, imports decreased only 0.3 percent to BWP 5,071.2 million, as lower purchases of diamonds (-9.3 percent) and fuels (-9 percent) were partly offset by rises in those of food, beverages & tobacco (19.1 percent); machinery & electrical equipment (0.4 percent) and chemicals and rubber products (8.5 percent). Main import partners were South Africa (67.4 percent of total acquisitions), Namibia (10.5 percent) and Canada (3.7 percent).

Botswana's trade balance shifted to a deficit of BWP 3211 million in July 2019 from a surplus of BWP 447.3 million in the same month a year ago. This is the largest trade shortfall since July 2012, as exports tumbled 41.4 percent to BWP 2,645.9 million, mainly dragged down by lower shipments of diamonds (-49.2 percent). Main export partners were India (23.1 percent of total exports), Belgium (19.6 percent), the UAE (13.2 percent), South Africa (11.7 percent) and Hong Kong (11.7 percent). In contrast, imports grew 31.2 percent to BWP 5,856.8 million, boosted by purchases of diamonds (67.8 percent) and machinery & electrical equipment (21.1 percent). Main import partners were South Africa (56.6 percent of total imports), Canada (9.4 percent), Other Africa (9.3 percent) and India (4.1 percent).

Botswana recorded a trade surplus of BWP 1004 million in June 2019 compared to a BWP 469.8 million surplus in the same month a year ago. That was the biggest trade surplus since December. Imports plunged 27 percent to BWP 4,632.8 million, dragged down by lower acquisitions of diamonds (-72.5 percent) and textiles & footwear (-22.1 percent). Main import partners were South Africa (70.3 percent of total purchases), Italy (4.2 percent) and India (4.1 percent). Exports declined at a slower 17.3 percent to BWP 5,636.8 million, mainly attributable to lower shipments of diamonds (-18 percent) and meat & meat products (-28.5 percent). Main export partners were Belgium (21.7 percent of total sales), the UAE (19.1 percent), India (18.1 percent), Singapore (8.7 percent) and South Africa (7.5 percent).

Botswana recorded a trade gap of BWP 339.5 million in May 2019 compared to a BWP 2529.3 million surplus in the same month a year ago. Imports soared 56 percent to BWP 6,460.5 million, boosted by acquisitions of diamonds (425.6 percent) and vehicles & transport equipment (117 percent). Main import partners were South Africa (52.7 percent of total imports), followed by Canada (20.1 percent), France (5.8 percent) and Russia (5.6 percent). In contrast, exports declined 9.6 percent to BWP 6,028.9 million, amid lower sales of diamonds (-8.3 percent); machinery & electrical equipment (-26.8 percent) and vehicles & transport equipment (-49.9 percent). Main export partners were Belgium (23.6 percent of total sales), India (19.6 percent), the UAE (17.4 percent) and South Africa (8.4 percent).

Botswana recorded a trade gap of BWP 392.5 million in April of 2019 compared to a BWP 734.7 million surplus in the same month a year ago. Imports jumped 31.2 percent to BWP 6,130.4 million, amid higher purchases of diamonds (62.2 percent); vehicles & transport equipment (68.1 percent); machinery & electrical equipment (29.6 percent) and metals & metals products (73.4 percent). Main import partners were South Africa (48.2 percent of total purchases), the US (11.5 percent), Namibia (10.8 percent) and Canada (5.9 percent). Meantime, exports rose at a much slower 6.1 percent to BWP 5,737.9 million, driven by sales of diamonds (9 percent) and machinery & electrical equipment (1.5 percent). In contrast, sales fell mostly for other goods (-14 percent); salt & soda ash (-22.7 percent) and meat & meat products (-31 percent). Main export partners were Belgium (26 percent of total shipments), India (22.9 percent), the UAE (20.4 percent) and Israel (10.1 percent).