Botswana’s foreign trade shows stronger performance

Recent trade data reveal that the rise in export earnings combined with a reduced import bill narrowed Botswana’s trade deficit by P22.1 billion, from P34.5 billion in 2024 to P12.4 billion in 2025. This improvement is expected to bolster foreign exchange reserves and enhance government fiscal receipts. Diamonds were the primary driver behind the growth in total export earnings, with diamond exports rising by P9.9 billion from a revised P44 billion in 2024 to P53.9 billion in 2025.

Copper and other goods also contributed significantly, increasing by P1 billion and P384.1 million, respectively. Additional contributors to export growth included vehicles and transport equipment, machinery and electrical products, salt and soda ash, and meat and meat products, which saw revenue increases of P192.6 million, P137.5 million, P60.4 million, and P20.8 million, respectively.