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
Botswana must not be a flag of convenience for rogues

‘A man’s country is not a certain area of land, of mountains, rivers, and woods, but it is a principle and patriotism is loyalty to that principle’.- George William CurtisAccording to the report carried in this publication, the fraudsters operating the so-called “dark fleet” have selected Botswana’s flag as their cover of choice. This is a direct assault on our country’s most valuable asset, the good name.For decades, Botswana has...

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