The Major Imports of Eswatini
As a landlocked nation, Eswatini heavily relies on imports to meet its domestic needs and support its key industries. The major imports of Eswatini include mineral fuels and oils, machinery and mechanical appliances, vehicles and automotive parts, electrical machinery and equipment, plastics and plastic articles, pharmaceuticals, iron and steel, clothing and apparel, optical, photographic, and medical instruments, and organic chemicals. The closest trading partners for each category vary, with South Africa emerging as a prominent supplier across multiple sectors. Understanding these import trends and partnerships is crucial for analyzing Eswatini's economic landscape, identifying areas of collaboration, and formulating effective trade policies.
Mineral Fuels and Oils:
Mineral fuels and oils hold the top position in Eswatini's imports by volume. With a total import value of approximately $400 million, Eswatini heavily relies on these imports to meet its energy needs. The primary trading partners for mineral fuels and oils are South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and Mozambique.
Machinery and Mechanical Appliances:
Imported machinery and mechanical appliances are crucial for supporting Eswatini's industrial and manufacturing sectors. The import volume for this category stands at $300 million. The primary trading partners for machinery and mechanical appliances are South Africa, China, and India.
Vehicles and Automotive Parts:
Imported vehicles and automotive parts play a significant role in transportation in Eswatini. The import volume for this category is valued at $200 million. The primary trading partners for vehicle and automotive parts imports are South Africa, Japan, and the United States.
Electrical Machinery and Equipment:
Imported electrical machinery and equipment are essential for meeting Eswatini's technological needs. The import volume for this category is valued at $150 million. The primary trading partners in this sector are South Africa, China, and Germany.
Plastics and Plastic Articles:
Eswatini imports a significant amount of plastics and plastic articles for various sectors, including packaging and manufacturing. This category accounts for an import volume of $120 million. The primary trading partners for plastics and plastic articles are South Africa, China, and the United States.
Pharmaceuticals:
Pharmaceutical products are essential for Eswatini's healthcare sector. The import volume for this category stands at $100 million. The primary trading partners for pharmaceutical imports are South Africa, India, and Germany.
Iron and Steel:
Imported iron and steel are vital for Eswatini's construction and manufacturing industries. This category's import volume is valued at $90 million. The primary trading partners for iron and steel imports are South Africa, China, and India.
Clothing and Apparel:
Eswatini imports a significant volume of clothing and apparel to meet its domestic market demands. The import value for this category is approximately $80 million. The primary trading partners for clothing and apparel imports are China, South Africa, and India.
Optical, Photographic, and Medical Instruments:
Eswatini relies on imports of optical, photographic, and medical instruments to support its healthcare and research sectors. The import volume for this category stands at $70 million. The primary trading partners for optical, photographic, and medical instruments are South Africa, China, and the United States.
Organic Chemicals:
Eswatini imports a considerable volume of organic chemicals for various applications. The import value for this category is approximately $60 million. The primary trading partners for organic chemicals are South Africa, India, and China.
