Namibia’s beef exports surge by 44%

The Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia (LLPBN) says the country’s beef exports increased by 44%, reaching 20.7 million kilograms year to date (y-t-d).

LLPBN statistician for trade and strategic marketing Fransina Angula says despite the significant annual growth, October exports totalled 1.4 million kilograms, reflecting an 11.3% decline compared to October 2023.

“Y-t-d, the European Union (EU) remains Namibia’s biggest market for beef exports.

The EU market absorbed 55.3% of total beef exports, while South Africa, the United Kingdom and Norway took up 20.4%, 14.5% and 7.21%, respectively, as top destinations.

“Y-t-d beef imports primarily in the form of processed and offal products rose by 10.5%.”

The cattle sector experienced a 1.2% year-on-year (y-o-y) decline in marketing activities.

A total of 19 659 cattle were marketed during the month under review, compared to 19 906 in October 2023, largely driven by reduced live exports and slaughtering at B&C class abattoirs, which fell by 22.2% and 30.6%, respectively.

There were mixed trends in October. Angula said south of the veterinary cordon fence (redline) weaner prices rebounded, averaging N$28.67/kg compared to N$24.24/kg in October 2023. Meanwhile, north of the redline, tolly prices dropped to N$22.40/kg during the same period.

“Y-o-y, cattle marketing dropped by 1.2%, while 19 659 cattle were marketed compared to 19 906 heads marketed during the corresponding period of 2023. Both live exports of animals and slaughtering by B&C class abattoirs declined by 22.2% and 30.6%, respectively,” she says.

Furthermore, the sheep sector saw a 24.6% y-o-y decline in marketing activities, with all segments reporting declines.

Live sheep exports fell by 29%, with only 27 469 sheep exported compared to 38 669 in October 2023.

Lamb and mutton exports also declined sharply by 59.4% in October, totalling 648 414kg y-t-d, compared to 884 408kg during the same period in 2023.

Of October’s exports, 92.2% went to South Africa, with the remaining 7.8% destined for Botswana.

Meanwhile, the A2 producer price peaked at N$85.56/kg in October, supported by increased demand as abattoirs began slaughtering for the Norwegian market.

“This marked a significant increase in producer prices compared to earlier months in 2024,” she says.

Meanwhile, the goat sector experienced a 20.3% decrease in marketing activities. The decline was attributed to reduced live exports and decreased slaughtering at local abattoirs.

The Namibian pork sector showed strong performance in October 2024, with pig marketing increasing by 10.2% y-o-y.

LLPBN said a total of 4 386 pigs were marketed at LLPBN-approved abattoirs, up from 3 979 in the same period last year.

In addition, pork imports dropped dramatically during the review period.