Namibia exported 141 tonnes of beef to Norway, China, Botswana and Angola during the month of October, contributing to a 179.2% surge in total exports to 1,607 tonnes, official figures reveal.
According to the Meat Board of Namibia, the EU remained Namibia’s main export destination during the month accounting for 57% (915 tonnes) of all beef exports, followed by South Africa, and the United Kingdom, at 20.7% (333 tonnes) and 12.0% (193 tonnes).
During the month, imports reduced to 74 tonnes from 274 tonnes recorded during the same period in 2022 which consisted of canned and processed beef and offal products.
“The cattle sector saw mixed developments with substantial declines recorded within the live export and B and C class abattoir segments of 35.9% and 57.6%, respectively. Slaughtering at A class abattoirs on the other hand, registered a growth of 29.9% during the period of October 2023,” the Meat Board said.
Furthermore, Meat Board noted that weaner prices have generally been under pressure since the beginning of the year, averaging N$24.24/kg during October 2023. All-grade beef carcass producer prices paid by A class abattoirs recorded marginal gains and averaged N$61.31/kg from the N$60.53/kg recorded during October 2022.
“Price developments indicate that the Namibian production system is likely to remain weaner-dominant given a narrowing gap between weaner prices and prices paid for slaughter cattle at A- class abattoirs,” said the board.
Meanwhile, the sheep sector rebounded during 2023 and performed well throughout the year primarily driven by live sheep exports which increased by 147.8% coupled with an increase of 349.6% recorded by export approved abattoirs.
Despite the recovery, slaughtering by B & C class abattoirs declined by 16.6%.
“All grade sheep carcass prices dropped by 8.6% between October 2022 and October 2023 averaging N$54.07/kg. Similarly, dorper lamb prices at livestock auctions also fell by 20.0% from N$36.27/kg in 2022 to N$29.00/kg in October 2023,” the Meat Board noted.
It is further reported that sheep exports during October 2023 amounted to 36 tonnes whereas sheep meat imports totalled 29 tonnes, a growth of 30.2% compared to October 2022.
