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Lesotho Major Imports

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Lesotho, a small landlocked country located within South Africa, has an economy that is heavily reliant on imports. Despite its rich natural resources, including water and diamonds, the country lacks significant industrial capacity and relies on neighboring South Africa and other international partners for a variety of goods. Lesotho’s imports span several categories, including fuel, machinery, consumer goods, and food products, all of which are essential for both its population and industrial sectors. The trade imbalance in the country reflects its dependence on foreign goods, particularly from South Africa, which serves as both a trading partner and a source of goods for Lesotho’s domestic needs.

Key Categories of Imports to Lesotho

Machinery and Equipment

The import of machinery and equipment plays a critical role in Lesotho’s economy, as the country is engaged in various industries, including mining, construction, and manufacturing. The machinery required to support these sectors is largely imported, with a focus on equipment for infrastructure development, agriculture, and industrial production. The country’s small manufacturing base means that it relies heavily on foreign machinery for its operations.

  • Trade Value: Approximately $250 million annually.
  • Types of Machinery Imports:
    • Industrial machinery such as processing equipment for textiles and food products, which are key to the country’s manufacturing sectors.
    • Agricultural machinery like tractors, plows, and harvesters, supporting the agricultural industry which is an important sector for Lesotho’s economy.
    • Construction machinery, including bulldozers, excavators, and cranes, used in infrastructure and development projects.

The machinery and equipment sector is essential for advancing Lesotho’s industrial development and improving productivity in agriculture and construction. As a landlocked country with limited local manufacturing capabilities, these imports are vital for supporting economic growth.

Petroleum Products

Petroleum products are a major category of imports for Lesotho, driven by the country’s reliance on fuel for transportation, energy, and industrial use. Lesotho lacks its own refining capacity and must import refined petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. The country’s geographic location and dependence on neighboring South Africa for fuel imports mean that the price and supply of petroleum products can be heavily influenced by regional economic conditions and global market trends.

  • Trade Value: Around $400 million annually.
  • Types of Petroleum Imports:
    • Gasoline, which is in high demand due to the transportation needs of Lesotho’s population, including private vehicles and public transport.
    • Diesel fuel, which is essential for heavy machinery, farming equipment, and commercial transportation.
    • Jet fuel, to support air travel and the country’s international connections.
    • Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for cooking and heating in homes and businesses.

Petroleum imports are crucial for Lesotho’s energy needs, with the country’s dependence on South Africa for fuel supply making it vulnerable to regional price fluctuations and supply chain disruptions. These products support both the transportation sector and the broader economy.

Food and Beverages

Although Lesotho has an agricultural base, it struggles with food production due to frequent droughts, limited arable land, and underdeveloped agricultural infrastructure. As a result, the country imports a significant amount of food to meet the demands of its population. This includes staple food items like maize, wheat, rice, and processed foods. The country also imports beverages, including soft drinks, alcohol, and bottled water, to satisfy local consumption.

  • Trade Value: Approximately $350 million annually.
  • Major Food and Beverage Imports:
    • Grains such as maize and wheat, which are essential for the country’s staple diet. These are often imported to supplement local production and maintain food security.
    • Processed food products, including canned goods, snacks, dairy products, and frozen food.
    • Beverages such as soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, bottled water, and juices.
    • Meat and dairy products, which are imported to meet the dietary needs of the population.

Food and beverage imports are vital to ensuring food security in Lesotho, as local agricultural production is insufficient to fully meet the country’s nutritional demands. These imports also help diversify the food offerings available to consumers, supporting local markets and businesses.

Vehicles and Automotive Parts

Vehicles and automotive parts are another key import category for Lesotho. With a significant portion of its population dependent on road transportation, including personal cars, buses, and trucks, the country imports a wide variety of vehicles and automotive components. This includes vehicles for both personal and commercial use, as well as parts required for maintenance and repairs.

  • Trade Value: Around $150 million annually.
  • Types of Vehicle Imports:
    • Passenger vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and smaller cars, catering to the transportation needs of Lesotho’s population.
    • Commercial vehicles such as buses, vans, and trucks, which are essential for goods transportation and public transportation systems.
    • Automotive parts, including tires, engines, batteries, and other components used for vehicle maintenance and repairs.

As a landlocked country with a relatively small domestic automotive market, Lesotho relies on imports from regional and international suppliers to meet its transportation needs. Vehicles and automotive parts are crucial for the smooth functioning of the transportation sector, which is important for both economic activity and daily life.

Textiles and Clothing

The textile and clothing industry is an important sector for Lesotho, especially with its involvement in the garment manufacturing industry. The country has developed a notable apparel industry, largely for export to the United States under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). However, Lesotho still imports raw materials such as fabrics and clothing accessories to support its local manufacturing base.

  • Trade Value: Approximately $100 million annually.
  • Key Textile and Clothing Imports:
    • Raw textiles such as fabrics and textiles used in the production of garments.
    • Clothing accessories like buttons, zippers, and sewing threads, which are necessary for garment production.
    • Ready-made clothing, particularly high-demand items such as shirts, pants, and outerwear.

Lesotho’s textile and clothing industry is important for job creation and export revenue. However, the importation of raw materials is crucial for maintaining this industry’s productivity and meeting global demand for manufactured goods.

Electrical and Electronic Equipment

Electrical and electronic equipment imports are significant in Lesotho, driven by the demand for consumer electronics, as well as equipment for the energy, telecommunications, and industrial sectors. This category includes everything from household electronics to industrial automation equipment.

  • Trade Value: Approximately $80 million annually.
  • Major Electronic Imports:
    • Consumer electronics such as smartphones, televisions, computers, and home appliances.
    • Electrical components and equipment for the energy and telecommunications sectors, including transformers, wiring, and network infrastructure.
    • Industrial electronics, including automation equipment and sensors used in manufacturing and production.

These imports are essential for improving the quality of life in Lesotho, as well as supporting its growing industrial and telecommunications sectors. The demand for electronics is on the rise as the country seeks to modernize its infrastructure and improve access to technology.

Major Trade Partners

Lesotho’s major trade partners are its regional neighbors and key global suppliers. The country’s economic activities are heavily influenced by its relationships with South Africa, the United States, and other global markets. These trade ties are vital for securing essential imports, as well as for accessing goods that are not locally produced.

  • South Africa: As Lesotho’s primary trading partner, South Africa supplies a significant portion of Lesotho’s imports, including food, fuel, machinery, and vehicles. The close proximity and regional agreements between the two countries make trade seamless.
  • United States: The U.S. is a key partner in terms of both exports and imports. Lesotho imports machinery, textiles, and electronic goods from the U.S. under various trade agreements.
  • China: China is a growing supplier of machinery, electronics, textiles, and consumer goods, contributing significantly to Lesotho’s imports.
  • European Union (EU): The EU provides various industrial products, vehicles, and high-quality machinery, which support Lesotho’s infrastructure and industrial sectors.

These trade relationships enable Lesotho to access a wide range of goods necessary for its economic development, food security, and industrial growth.

Key Takeaways:

  • Lesotho imports a variety of goods, including machinery, petroleum products, food, vehicles, and textiles, to meet the needs of its population and support its industrial sectors.
  • The country’s reliance on South Africa and other international partners for essential imports highlights its dependence on external markets for energy, food, and industrial products.
  • The importation of vehicles and automotive parts is critical for transportation, while food imports help maintain food security in the face of limited local agricultural production.
  • Lesotho’s trade partners, particularly South Africa, the U.S., and China, play a central role in supplying the goods needed to sustain the country’s economy.

Top Products Imported by Lesotho

Market Value: 455 (millions) – Last Updated: June, 2024

Rank Product Trade Value (thousands) Share (%) Growth (% 5yr)
1 Knitted & Crocheted Fabrics 68,037 14.95 86.34
2 Woven Cotton Fabrics > 85% > 200 G/M2 18,850 4.14 -10.17
3 Television, Radio & Assessory Parts 6,414 1.41 2,501.30
4 Computer & Office Machines Parts 4,477 0.98 7,471.07
5 Medicines in Doses 3,937 0.87 1,270.14
6 Telephone, Fax & Switching Apparatus 3,055 0.67 13.62
7 Rice 2,821 0.62 0.00
8 Articles of Plastics 2,536 0.56 155.68
9 Staple Fiber Sewing Thread 2,464 0.54 528.77
10 Pile Fabrics 2,163 0.48 36.55
11 Buttons 1,895 0.42 119.46
12 Paper Labels 1,877 0.41 75.73
13 Labels & Badges 1,696 0.37 78.22
14 Cereal Groats 1,408 0.31 0.00
15 Passenger Vehicles 1,090 0.24 499.14
16 Automatic Regulating & Control Instruments 1,028 0.23 0.00
17 Auxiliary Machinery For Textile Machines 956 0.21 0.00
18 Woven Fabric -Under 85% Synthetic > 170G/M2 911 0.20 -45.07
19 Pictures & Photos 854 0.19 319.27
20 Taps, Cocks & Valves 794 0.17 41,947.75
21 Woven Pile & Chenille Fabrics 734 0.16 -68.97
22 Cel Phones, Video Recorders & Radio Transcievers 664 0.15 -32.57
23 Sewing Machines 646 0.14 62.23
24 Woven Cotton Fabrics – < 85% > 200G/M2 573 0.13 -61.75
25 Slide Fasteners & Parts 569 0.13 321.50
26 Knitted Made-Up Clothing Accessories 543 0.12 51.97
27 Machines For Preparing Fibers & Yarns 536 0.12 0.00
28 Switches, Relays & Fuses < 1000 Volts 518 0.11 1,633.68
29 Natural Vegetable Fats & Oils 503 0.11 0.00
30 Made-Up Clothes Accessories 471 0.10 28,268.65
31 Heavy Construction Equipment 470 0.10 62,101.19
32 Sanitary & Toiletry Paper 453 0.10 27,898.58
33 Woven Cotton Fabrics – < 85% < 200G/M2 450 0.10 0.00
34 Air & Vacuum Pumps 431 0.09 3,667.54
35 Leguminous Vegetables 382 0.08 -6.29
36 Lamps & Lighting Fittings 363 0.08 1,037.83
37 Measuring or Checking Instruments 361 0.08 2,101.48
38 Parts For Fork Lifts, Bulldozers & Graders 358 0.08 2,042.18
39 Clasps, Buckles & Hooks 340 0.07 -3.58
40 Transmission Shafts, Bearings & Parts 338 0.07 9,192.87
41 Aircraft Engines 334 0.07 25.57
42 Paper & Paperboard 327 0.07 166.17
43 Woven Cotton Fabrics – > 85% < 200G/M2 307 0.07 -86.40
44 Articles of Iron & Steel 305 0.07 1,753.79
45 Computers, Printers & Storage Units 296 0.07 159.54
46 Semi Trucks & Tractors 292 0.06 61.95
47 Electric Motors & Generators 289 0.06 3,356.03
48 Water Heaters 279 0.06 4,279.91
49 Trucks 279 0.06 11,445.55
50 Plastic & Rubber Footwear 274 0.06 34.73
51 X-Ray Apparatus 254 0.06 0.00
52 Electric Water Heaters 253 0.06 0.00
53 Electric Generating Sets & Rotary Converters 252 0.06 0.00
54 Narrow Woven Fabrics 249 0.05 21.17
55 Liquid Crystal Devices 244 0.05 0.00
56 Electronic Tubes 239 0.05 0.00
57 Parts For Machines & Instruments 234 0.05 0.00
58 Other Pharmaceutical Goods 233 0.05 724.37
59 Insulated Wire & Cable 229 0.05 293.27
60 Books 210 0.05 2.26
61 Electric Filament & Discharge Lamps 209 0.05 0.00
62 Stoves 204 0.04 0.00
63 Plastic Containers 201 0.04 146.83
64 Prefabricated Buildings 196 0.04 0.00
65 Knitting Machines 193 0.04 -26.33
66 Soybean Oil 193 0.04 158.64
67 Leather Footwear 188 0.04 -21.96
68 Pharmaceutical Articles of Rubber 188 0.04 0.00
69 Plastic Tubes 187 0.04 481.71
70 Beer 182 0.04 0.00
71 Molding Boxes For Metal Foundry 180 0.04 562.28
72 Mechanical Machinery & Parts 177 0.04 283.26
73 Electrical Switching Boards 175 0.04 19,130.77
74 Corn 174 0.04 -46.11
75 Medical, Dental & Vet Instruments 170 0.04 313.59
76 Enzymes 170 0.04 86.96
77 Motor Vehicle Parts 166 0.04 -28.19
78 Ink Jet Printers 158 0.03 101.64
79 Screws, Bolts & Nuts 157 0.03 17,152.53
80 Parts For Machine Tools 155 0.03 0.00
81 Twine 153 0.03 66.22
82 Specialized Electrical Machinery & Parts 152 0.03 1,846.39
83 Art Paper 149 0.03 511.81
84 TV Receivers 142 0.03 -99.19
85 Woven Cotton Fabrics 141 0.03 0.00
86 Ceramic Lab Wares 136 0.03 686.58
87 Prepared Glues & Adhesives 130 0.03 0.00
88 Steam Generating Boilers 128 0.03 0.00
89 Woven Fabric -Over 85% Synthetic < 170G/M2 125 0.03 1,386.94
90 Woven Fabric of Synthetic Filament Yarn 120 0.03 -15.42
91 Oscilloscopes & Electrical Measuring Instruments 118 0.03 4,949.85
92 Composite Diagnostic & Lab Reagents 103 0.02 643.49
93 Aircraft Parts 100 0.02 -92.13
94 Hand Paintings & Drawings 98 0.02 0.00
95 Antibiotics 93 0.02 228.54
96 Kraft Paper 89 0.02 0.00
97 Interchange Hand & Machine Tools 87 0.02 94.17
98 Cow &Horse Hides -No Hair 83 0.02 3,059.50
99 Builders Ware of Plastics 82 0.02 0.00
100 Odoriferous Mixtures 81 0.02 641.76
101 Transformers, Converters & Power Supplies 81 0.02 47.30
102 Knitted Garments 80 0.02 0.00
103 Plastic Floor Cover & Wall Cover 76 0.02 0.00
104 Paper Transfers 75 0.02 232.29
105 Moving & Grading Machinery 65 0.01 -77.35
106 Stranded Wire 63 0.01 0.00
107 Worn Clothing 62 0.01 865.75
108 Malt 61 0.01 -85.05
109 Cotton Sewing Thread 61 0.01 0.00
110 Nucleic Acids & Salts 58 0.01 9,048.26
111 Engine Parts 57 0.01 89.21
112 Bed & Table Linen 56 0.01 0.00
113 Chain & Parts 56 0.01 2,976.92
114 Pumps For Liquids 51 0.01 -74.74
115 Records & Tapes 51 0.01 129.91
116 Insulating Fittings For Assembly 51 0.01 -11.04
117 Non-Adhesive Plastic Plates, Sheets & Film 51 0.01 -10.48
118 Washers & Dryers 48 0.01 151.49
119 Aluminum Bars 47 0.01 151.86
120 Machinery Parts 47 0.01 -76.59
121 Machine Tools For Working Wood 45 0.01 119.46
122 Parts For Electric Equipment 45 0.01 0.00
123 Aluminum Structures & Parts of 44 0.01 -12.79
124 Heterocyclic Compounds 44 0.01 100.02
125 Articles of Leather 43 0.01 0.00
126 Trailers 43 0.01 -9.82
127 Revolvers & Pistols 42 0.01 33.53
128 Agricultural Machinery For Soil 41 0.01 0.00
129 Air Conditioners 41 0.01 467.33
130 Gold 40 0.01 4,295.60
131 Paint & Varnish 40 0.01 156.28
132 Synthetic Sewing Threads 38 0.01 -60.57
133 Vans & Buses 36 0.01 -86.58
134 Refractory Bricks 35 0.01 0.00
135 Hardware For Furniture, Doors & Windows 34 0.01 648.86
136 Piston Engines 33 0.01 0.00
137 Transister & Semiconductor Devices 33 0.01 23.33
138 Furniture & Parts 32 0.01 84.14
139 Instruments for Measure & Check Flow 31 0.01 3,182.17
140 Compasses & Navigation Instruments 31 0.01 167.96
141 Parts of Electric Motors 30 0.01 2,330.20
142 Human Blood 28 0.01 -71.92
143 Knitted T-Shirts 28 0.01 436.78
144 Original Sculptures & Statues 27 0.01 4,718.73
145 Veneer Sheets 27 0.01 641.76
146 Fork-Lift Trucks 26 0.01 294.06
147 Image Projectors 25 0.01 0.00
148 Machinery For Working Rubber & Plastics 25 0.01 0.00
149 Battery Waste 25 0.01 0.00
150 Non Crude Oil 25 0.01 119.10
151 Ceramic Sinks 24 0.01 0.00
152 Articles of Vulcanized Rubber 23 0.01 107.92
153 Structures & Parts of Iron or Steel 21 0.00 32.59
154 Seats & Parts 21 0.00 228.24
155 Nails 18 0.00 0.00
156 Machinery For Sorting Screening Minerals 17 0.00 -9.98
157 Non Wovens 16 0.00 69.74
158 Plastic Household Articles 15 0.00 -48.51
159 Gaskets & Similar Joints of Metal Sheeting 15 0.00 0.00
160 Handbags, Wallets & Travel Goods 14 0.00 45.53
161 Inorganic Acids 14 0.00 1,422.86
162 Candles 14 0.00 0.00
163 Articles of Wood 14 0.00 -73.90
164 Padlocks 13 0.00 0.00
165 Printed Circuits 13 0.00 0.00
166 Sand Blasting Machines 13 0.00 0.00
167 Machinery For Typeset 13 0.00 -57.63
168 Plastic Monofil 13 0.00 -16.97
169 Knitted Mens & Boys Suits 13 0.00 17.26
170 Hand Tools 13 0.00 0.00
171 Woven Fabric -Over 85% Synthetic > 170G/M2 12 0.00 0.00
172 Electronic Integrated Circuits 12 0.00 47.54
173 Non-Knit Womens & Girls Suits 12 0.00 -94.35
174 Dishwashing & Packaging Machines 11 0.00 0.00
175 Microphones 11 0.00 663.89
176 Springs & Leaves For Springs 11 0.00 -68.31
177 Cane Sugar 11 0.00 12.14
178 Sulfonamides 10 0.00 -24.21
179 Stranded Wire 10 0.00 0.00
180 Cycle Parts & Assessories 10 0.00 -70.17
181 Oxygen-Function Amino-Compounds 9 0.00 -65.90
182 Non-Knit Mens & Boys Suits 9 0.00 351.51
183 Knitted Sweaters 9 0.00 1,171.49
184 Pumice 9 0.00 -92.94
185 Binders For Found Molds 8 0.00 0.00
186 Food & Drink Preparation Machines 8 0.00 -35.86
187 Glazed Ceramic Flags & Paving 8 0.00 0.00
188 Refrigerators & Freezers 7 0.00 -93.72
189 Animal Feed 7 0.00 0.00
190 Revolution & Production Count Meters 7 0.00 29.70
191 Plastic Self-Adhesive Plates 6 0.00 261.23
192 Files, Pliers & Shears 6 0.00 1,120.82
193 Glass Beads & Articles 6 0.00 20.94
194 Tools For Working in the Hand 6 0.00 0.00
195 Instruments For Physical or Chemical Analysis 6 0.00 0.00
196 Containers of Transport 6 0.00 95.87
197 Glands Dry & Extracts 6 0.00 57.29
198 Ceramic Tableware of Porcelain & China 5 0.00 0.00
199 Bras 5 0.00 449.45
200 Electric Lasers 5 0.00 35.16
201 Beauty & Make-up Perparations 5 0.00 0.00
202 Ceramic Statuettes 5 0.00 155.49
203 Umbrellas 4 0.00 229.60
204 Articles of Glass 4 0.00 0.00
205 Aluminum Plates 4 0.00 -92.29
206 Tube & Pipe Fittings 4 0.00 0.00
207 Knitted Womens & Girls Slips 4 0.00 11.64
208 Physical Exercise Equipment 4 0.00 -65.38
209 Dextrins 3 0.00 0.00
210 Leather Apparel & Accessories 3 0.00 -69.39
211 Plastic Sheets, Film & Plates 3 0.00 -95.10
212 Knitted Womens & Girls Blouses & Shirts 3 0.00 -95.39
213 Textile Products For Specific Tech Uses 3 0.00 -91.63
214 Articles of Stone 3 0.00 0.00
215 Electric Sound & Visual Signaling Apparatus 3 0.00 73.31
216 Filters & Centrifuges 3 0.00 -92.47
217 Glass of 7003-5 Bnt 3 0.00 59.84
218 Hydrometers & Thermometers 3 0.00 -69.34
219 Ash & Slag 2 0.00 0.00
220 Photocopy Apparatus 2 0.00 0.00
221 Office Paper 2 0.00 0.00
222 Bread, Pastry & Cakes 2 0.00 -89.46
223 Tea 2 0.00 -26.74
224 Uncoated Paper 2 0.00 -82.46
225 Articles of Jewelry & Parts 2 0.00 -69.77
226 Plastic Textile Fabrics 2 0.00 0.00
227 Brooms & Mops 2 0.00 -26.74
228 Washing Machines 2 0.00 0.00
229 Vulcanized Rubber Tubes 2 0.00 0.00
230 Float Glass 2 0.00 0.00
231 Coated Paper 1 0.00 -67.49
232 Notebooks & Business Forms 1 0.00 -78.11
233 Misc Headgear 1 0.00 -73.81
234 Electric Storage Batteries 1 0.00 -92.24
235 Electromech Domestic Appliances 1 0.00 -45.05
236 Electric Light Equipment 1 0.00 0.00
237 Friction Material 1 0.00 0.00
238 Glassware For Table 1 0.00 -28.98
239 Knitted Mens & Boys Shirts 1 0.00 -71.16
240 Chocolate 1 0.00 -99.65
241 Soap 1 0.00 0.00
242 Imitation Jewelry 1 0.00 0.00
243 Cement 1 0.00 0.00
244 Office Machines 1 0.00 0.00
245 Primary Cells & Batteries 1 0.00 0.00
246 Stainless Steel Bars & Rods – Angles 0 0.00 0.00
247 Arcade, Table or Parlor Games 0 0.00 0.00
248 Abrasive Powder 0 0.00 -97.87
249 Survey Instruments 0 0.00 -98.84
250 Articles Of Yarn 0 0.00 0.00
251 Braids & Tassels 0 0.00 -98.37
252 Tarps, Sails & Tents 0 0.00 -98.61
253 Medicines Not in Doses 0 0.00 -99.98
254 Seamed Hollow Tubes & Pipes 0 0.00 0.00
255 Tape Recorders 0 0.00 0.00
256 Wood Marquetry 0 0.00 0.00
257 Electric Capacitors 0 0.00 -99.62
258 Knitted Womens & Girls Overcoats 0 0.00 0.00

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