Europe absorbs 79,6% of Namibian beef exports

Europe remained Namibia’s biggest beef export destination for the month of January, absorbing a good 79,6% of the 640 650 kilogrammes exported.

This was according to a report by Simonis Storm Securities Agri monthly report that showed an uptick in the Namibian livestock marketing sector.

According to the report, a total of 66 897 heads of livestock were sold in January, marking a rise from the 53 804 recorded in January 2023.

The most significant growth was observed in the cattle industry.

The marketing of cattle rose to 20 398 head in January 2024, from 12 659 head marketed in December 2023.

The Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia attributed this upswing to a rise in weaner exports to South Africa.

“The growth in the cattle sector is credited to increased exports of weaners to South Africa, primarily due to anticipated improvements in grain harvests that would enhance feeding margins,” noted the report.

While cattle took the lead, other livestock sectors also witnessed positive developments.

Goat marketing experienced an uptick, with 6 596 goats sold in January 2024, compared to 5 554 during the same period in 2023.

The pig industry also saw growth, with 4 306 pigs sold through approved abattoirs.

This represents a 13,6% increase from the 3 791 pigs marketed in January 2023.

However, sheep remained the dominant player in the market, with 35 597 sold in January.

While Europe remains the top destination, other regions are becoming increasingly significant.

African nations, with South Africa at the forefront, imported around 105 716 kilogrammes, making up 16,5% of the exports.
China accounted for 25 122 kilogrammes of Namibian beef exports.

Beyond livestock, the export of fish maintained its position as one of the top five non-mineral exports for Namibia. Primarily directed towards Spain, Zambia and Mozambique, fish exports generated a trade surplus of N$1,1 billion in December 2023.

This trend continued, with the value of domestic fish exports experiencing a 15,2% year-on-year increase in December 2023.

The Namibian Agronomic Board (NAB) made a decision in January 2024 restricting imports of most special controlled products, with the exception of washed potatoes and lettuce.

“This decision was made due to an adequate domestic supply of these specific vegetables, as evidenced by the average retail price for 1kg of potatoes being N$30,59, while the average farm gate price was N$13,45,” noted the report.

Similarly, lettuce saw an average retail price of N$33,42, with a farm gate price of N$20.

“The NAB’s move to close borders for specific horticulture products signifies a belief in the ability of domestic producers to meet local demand,” noted the report.