Namibia’s beef exports have plummeted by 50.8 per cent year-to-date, reaching only 9.5 million kilograms by the end of September 2025, compared to 19.3 million kilograms during the same interval in 2024, as indicated by data from the Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia. The board attributes this substantial reduction to diminished cattle processing at slaughterhouses, stemming from a countrywide dearth of animals prepared for market. As reported by The Namibian, despite attractive pricing, the constrained supply at abattoirs has persistently restricted the quantities available for overseas trade.
Volumes of cattle brought to market decreased by 30.8 per cent year-on-year in September, dropping from 26,345 head in 2024 to 18,224 head. On a year-to-date basis, the decline is even more pronounced at 50.3 per cent, with 156,297 head marketed against 314,466 the previous year. The board notes that this shortfall in throughput has impeded export capacities, even as producer incentives remain robust. According to Feed Business MEA, the downturn follows a period of herd reconstruction after prolonged drought conditions and restrictions on livestock movement, which have compelled farmers to retain animals for breeding rather than immediate sale.
The s-VCF B2 producer price averaged N$68.91 per kilogram in September, with the year-to-date figure climbing 14.3 per cent to N$69.90 per kilogram. Prices for weaner auctions have likewise firmed, averaging N$33.13 per kilogram in September and N$30.17 per kilogram year-to-date, representing an 18.4 per cent improvement over 2024. These elevated rates reflect ongoing demand but have not offset the supply bottlenecks caused by environmental factors.
Europe continues to dominate as the primary outlet for Namibian beef, with the European Union comprising 72.8 per cent of shipments and Norway 15.7 per cent. Deliveries to African nations expanded from a negligible 0.01 per cent in August to 7.1 per cent in September, predominantly to Lesotho, whilst modest volumes reached Asian destinations. The board observes a notable contraction in exports to other global regions, including Asia and China, which fell by 50.3 per cent, indicating subdued activity relative to prior months. As detailed by The Brief, this shift underscores reliance on traditional markets amid broader supply limitations.
Exports of live cattle also contracted by 34 per cent year-on-year in September, totalling 7,711 head compared to 11,690 in 2024. South Africa absorbed 98 per cent of these, with minor portions directed to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zimbabwe. This reduction aligns with the overarching trend of conserving livestock to rebuild national herds following adverse weather impacts.
Shipments of hides and skins amounted to 49,051 kilograms in September, all sourced from South Africa, contributing to a year-to-date aggregate of 824,834 kilograms. The board explains that monthly patterns generally mirror cattle slaughter rates, where reduced abattoir activity has curtailed raw material supplies. According to LinkedIn’s Namibian News, cattle production overall dipped by 1.9 per cent in the second quarter of 2025, exacerbating the export challenges and prompting calls for supportive measures to enhance resilience in the sector.
This downturn poses risks to Namibia’s agricultural economy, which relies heavily on beef as a key export commodity, potentially affecting rural livelihoods and foreign exchange earnings. Government initiatives, including drought relief and improved veterinary services, are underway to mitigate long-term effects, though recovery may extend into 2026 as herds replenish.