Lesotho is a small landlocked country located in Southern Africa. Despite its size, it has a thriving economy, with a significant portion of its GDP coming from international trade.
Lesotho's imports have been steadily increasing over the years. In 2019, it ranked as the 148th largest importer in the world. However, by 2022, it is expected to move up two spots and become the 146th largest importer globally.
As of 2022, Lesotho's population stands at approximately 2.3 million people. Despite being one of Africa's smallest countries by land area, it boasts a diverse population with various ethnic groups living harmoniously together. The Basotho people make up over 99% of the population and are known for their rich culture and traditional practices.
In 2022, the country's GDP is projected to reach $3.7 billion, with a growth rate of 4%. This growth can be attributed to increased investments in infrastructure development, especially in the energy and transportation sectors. The government has also implemented various policies aimed at promoting economic diversification and reducing its dependence on traditional exports.
The top imported products in Lesotho are diverse and range from machinery and electrical equipment to food items and textiles. However, based on current trends and projections, we can expect some products to be among the top importing goods for Lesotho in 2022.
One such product is refined petroleum. As Lesotho relies heavily on imports for its energy needs, it is expected that refined petroleum will continue to be one of its top imported goods in 2022. Other products that are likely to make it to the list include vehicles, medical equipment, and pharmaceuticals.
South Africa has consistently been Lesotho's top trading partner for both exports and imports due to their geographic proximity and strong economic ties. It is expected that this trend will continue in 2022 as well.
Other important import partners for Lesotho include China, India, Japan, and Germany. These countries supply a wide range of products to Lesotho, including machinery, textiles, and chemicals. Additionally, Lesotho has been strengthening its trade relations with other African countries such as Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.