Trade deficit widens on softer diamond exports

Diamond exports fell 35% in August this year
Diamond exports fell 35% in August this year

Botswana’s trade deficit widened to P1.7 billion in August 2015 from P486.4 million recorded in July this year due to low volumes of diamond exports.

Trade data released by Statistics Botswana this week shows that while imports remained relatively flat, the deficit was driven by a significant 34% decline in exports from P4.6 billion to P3.03 billion. 

An analysis of the data shows that the decline in exports was triggered by lower diamond exports  (both polished and rough), which plunged 35% to P2.4 billion over the two months.

Editor's Comment
Inspect the voters' roll!

The recent disclosure by the IEC that 2,513 registrations have been turned down due to various irregularities should prompt all Batswana to meticulously review the voters' rolls and address concerns about rejected registrations.The disparities flagged by the IEC are troubling and emphasise the significance of rigorous voter registration processes.Out of the rejected registrations, 29 individuals were disqualified due to non-existent Omang...

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