Lesotho Trade Openness
Trade as % of GDP NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS
Lesotho's trade openness was 142.25% in 2025, ranked 38th globally. This represents a 0.5% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Lesotho's trade openness stood at 142.25% in 2025, a rise of +0.73% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 142.25% by 2025. Lesotho ranked 38th globally.
Lesotho’s trade openness, measured as the sum of exports and imports relative to GDP, has risen dramatically from an all‑time trough of 50.20 in 1960 to a peak of 165.05 in 2007, reflecting successive liberalisation reforms and expanding regional market integration. By 2025 the indicator stands at 142.25, placing the kingdom 38th globally and closely flanked by Latvia’s 142.38 and Lebanon’s 141.09. The sustained upward trajectory over the 40‑year coverage period signals that Lesotho’s economy has become markedly more dependent on external trade flows, a pattern echoed in other small, open economies such as Denmark (143.62) and Switzerland (140.92). The post‑peak decline from 2007 suggests that while openness remains high, growth in trade volume has moderated, likely due to constraints in productive capacity and fluctuating commodity prices. Continued diversification of export bases and deeper participation in regional supply chains will be crucial to maintain or improve the current level of openness.
Data & projection
| Year | Trade Openness | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 142.57% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 142.25% | - | - |
| 2025 | 142.25% | +0.73% | #38 |
| 2023 | 141.51% | −0.86% | #145 |
| 2022 | 142.37% | +3.19% | #149 |
| 2021 | 139.19% | −1.91% | #154 |
| 2020 | 141.10% | +0.58% | #165 |
| 2019 | 140.52% | −3.92% | #160 |
| 2018 | 144.43% | −1.93% | #162 |
| 2017 | 146.37% | +10.05% | #164 |
| 2016 | 136.32% | +6.59% | #158 |
| 2015 | 129.72% | +3.43% | #154 |
| 2014 | 126.29% | −7.07% | #148 |
| 2013 | 133.37% | −16.84% | #151 |
| 2012 | 150.21% | +0.41% | #157 |
| 2011 | 149.80% | −0.31% | #158 |
| 2010 | 150.10% | −8.79% | #166 |
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 openness improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Lesotho's trade openness was 142.25% in 2025. Ranked 38th globally. This represents a 0.5% increase from the previous year.
Lesotho's trade openness peaked at 165.05% in 2007.
The lowest trade openness in Lesotho was 50.20% in 1960.
Lesotho ranks 38th globally in trade openness as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Lesotho's trade openness is projected to reach 142.25% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The trade openness of Lesotho in 2025 was 142.25%. This ranks 38th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_lesotho_trade-openness,
title = {Lesotho Trade Openness},
url = {https://historysaid.com/lesotho/trade-openness/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}