What manufactures contributed to Southern African merchandise exports
In 2023, manufactures accounted for 86.27% of Botswana’s recorded merchandise exports and 79.23% of Lesotho’s. The corresponding shares were 40.49% in South Africa and 7.33% in Mozambique.
Sources checked
Southern Africa Review Editorial Team
2023Manufactures in merchandise exports by country
Botswana86.27%
Lesotho79.23%
South Africa40.49%
Namibia26.31%
Zambia12.85%
Mozambique7.33%
The chart compares manufactures’ share of goods exports in the latest common year.
Namibia and South Africa had lower shares than in 2000
Namibia’s ratio fell from 54.75% in 2000 to 26.31% in 2023. South Africa’s moved from 53.25% to 40.49%. The table gives intermediate years, including temporary rises. Source 1
Lesotho’s share varied substantially
The source records 94.87% in 2000, 52.34% in 2015 and 79.23% in 2023. Botswana’s share was above 90% in 2022 and declined to 86.27% in 2023. Source 1
Product classifications govern the grouping
The indicator counts specified SITC categories, including chemicals and machinery, and excludes nonferrous metals from the basic-manufactures component. The product classification can differ from a count of exports by firms in the manufacturing industry. Source 2
A merchandise share measures value and mix
Prices and volumes both affect export values. A rising share can reflect growth in manufactured exports or a decline in other merchandise. Services exports are outside the denominator. Source 2