Lesotho Trade Balance
External balance on goods and services NE.RSB.GNFS.CD
Lesotho's trade balance was $-1.2B in 2025, ranked 107th globally. This represents a 1.6% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Lesotho's trade balance stood at $-1.2B in 2025, a decline of +$19.4M from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach $-1.2B by 2025. Lesotho ranked 107th globally.
Lesotho's trade balance has exhibited significant volatility over the past four decades, with a peak of -$9,239,996.30 in 1960, a trough of -$1,650,563,650.75 in 2012, and a more recent value of -$1,198,393,533.89 in 2025. The country's trade balance has consistently ranked amongst the lowest globally, with its current ranking of #107 mirroring that of peer countries such as Belarus, which also faces significant trade deficits. Lesotho's trade balance has been heavily influenced by its reliance on imports, particularly in the manufacturing sector, which has led to a persistent trade deficit. Despite efforts to diversify its economy, Lesotho remains vulnerable to fluctuations in global commodity prices and trade policies. To improve its trade balance, Lesotho would need to increase its exports, potentially through the development of its natural resources, such as water and minerals, or by strengthening its manufacturing sector through investment in infrastructure and human capital.
Data & projection
| Year | Trade Balance | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | $-1.2B | - | - |
| 2025* trend | $-1.2B | - | - |
| 2025 | $-1.2B | −$19.4M | #107 |
| 2023 | $-1.2B | −$16.6M | #67 |
| 2022 | $-1.2B | −$31.3M | #76 |
| 2021 | $-1.1B | −$59.1M | #65 |
| 2020 | $-1.1B | +$77.9M | #69 |
| 2019 | $-1.1B | −$5.5M | #68 |
| 2018 | $-1.1B | +$41.6M | #70 |
| 2017 | $-1.2B | −$239.6M | #62 |
| 2016 | $-946.3M | +$90.5M | #70 |
| 2015 | $-1.0B | +$183.5M | #81 |
| 2014 | $-1.2B | +$125.7M | #72 |
| 2013 | $-1.3B | +$304.5M | #71 |
| 2012 | $-1.7B | −$248.6M | #69 |
| 2011 | $-1.4B | +$69.7M | #67 |
| 2010 | $-1.5B | −$264.0M | #58 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Lesotho matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw trade balance improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Lesotho's trade balance was $-1.2B in 2025. Ranked 107th globally. This represents a 1.6% decrease from the previous year.
Lesotho's trade balance peaked at $-9.2M in 1960.
The lowest trade balance in Lesotho was $-1.7B in 2012.
Lesotho ranks 107th globally in trade balance as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is NE.RSB.GNFS.CD. Data sourced from World Bank.
Lesotho's trade balance is projected to reach $-1.2B by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The trade balance of Lesotho in 2025 was $-1.2B. This ranks 107th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_lesotho_trade-balance,
title = {Lesotho Trade Balance},
url = {https://historysaid.com/lesotho/trade-balance/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}