81.7% of beverages exported to South Africa
Local production slows in September
Annual inflation for non-alcoholic beverages in September stood at 10.5%, while alcoholic beverages recorded an inflation rate of 8.5%.
South Africa is Namibia’s top market for both import and export of beverages, according to data provided by the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA).During September 2023, South Africa remained the top primary source of beverage with a share of 92.8%, followed by Germany (4.2%), United States of America (0.9%) and United Kingdom with a share of 0.7%.
Similarly, South Africa was the top export destination for beverages in September, accounting for 81.7%, followed by Zambia (6.9%), Democratic Republic of Congo (4.7%) was in third place and Tanzania with a share of 4.0%.
Annual inflation for non-alcoholic beverages in September stood at 10.5%, while alcoholic beverages recorded an inflation rate of 8.5%. In addition, mineral waters, soft drinks and juices recorded an annual inflation rate of 10.5% in September.
Finance minister Iipumbu Shiimi in February introduced sin taxes on the consumption of alcoholic beverages. Fortified wine increased by N$0.24 per litre, while sparkling wine went up by N$0.12 per litre.
Moreover, spirits cost an extra N$12.08 per litre. Clear malt beer increased by N$5.99 per litre. Lastly, ciders and alcoholic fruit beverages went up by N$5.99 per litre.
Production
In September 2023, beverage production stood at 250 320 hectolitres, which is a decrease from 306 973 hectolitres recorded in August 2023 and 386 488 hectolitres recorded in September 2022.
The production of alcoholic beverages in September 2023 was 134 891 hectolitres down from 154 030 hectolitres recorded in August 2023, and 196 189 hectolitres registered in the corresponding period of 2022, NSA said.
A total of 115 429 hectolitres of non-alcoholic beverages were produced, down from 152 943 hectolitres and 190 299 hectolitres that was recorded in August 2023 and September 2022, respectively.
Furthermore, in September 2023, 15 136 hectolitres of beverage was exported, up from 6 817 hectolitres registered in August 2023 while 53 993 hectolitres was exported in September 2022.
For the same period, Namibia exported 15 030 hectolitres of alcoholic beverages, of which beer accounted for 82.7% share (12 431 hectolitres).
For the period under review, Namibia imported 83 958 hectolitres of beverages, compared to 80 095 hectolitres registered in August 2023 and 128 639 hectolitres posted in September 2022, NSA added.
All in all, the composite beverage production index consisting of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages declined by 18.5%, compared to a growth of 49.4% recorded in August 2023. On an annual basis, the index declined by 35.2%, NSA said. [email protected]