Botswana-China Trade Deficit Swells

Botho Bayedi
Botho Bayedi

Botswana has a growing trade deficit with China as imports have been increasing over the last five years while exports to China have been decreasing. In 2020, the trade deficit was recorded at over $149 million, BusinessMonitor has learnt. Botswana’s export to China has decreased over the years since 2016.

Exports to China were recorded at about $44 million then, while in 2020 exports had dropped to about $2 million. Speaking during the China-Botswana investment promotion webinar, which was themed technological innovation, mining and minerals beneficiation, Botswana Investment and Trade Industry (BITC) executive director Business Intelligence, Botho Bayendi said while 2020 was characterised by disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic generally, export to China was still on the decline.

“Major exports include vegetable saps and extracts, articles of apparel and clothing, and industrial goods,” she said.

Editor's Comment
Consult, get buy-ins first for 6 to 6 policy, Hon Minister

While the minister is of the view that the proposal would have significant positive economic impact, the entertainment industry players believe otherwise. The issue has over the weeks become a hot potato. But what is of essence right now is that the country needs liberal ideas to move in the right direction While opening up the economy may sound quite interesting to the ear, rolling out extended trading hours through pilot programmes without...

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