Namibia’s exports of live cattle on the hoof declined sharply in November 2025, with 3,584 animals shipped, down from 4,323 in October 2025 and 8,152 in November 2024, according to the latest data from the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA).
The agency said the Index for Live Cattle Exported on Hoof fell by 17.1% in November 2025, following a steeper contraction of 43.9% in October. On a year-on-year basis, the index declined by 56.0%.
In contrast, the Butchers Index recorded growth during the month. The index rose by 44.9% in November 2025 and was up 63.0% year on year, despite a month-on-month increase of 12.2%.
“In November 2025, 14,367 small stock were sold to butchers and abattoirs authorised for export,” the NSA said. “Only 16 animals originated from north of the Veterinary Cordon Fence (N-VCF), while 14,351 came from south of the Veterinary Cordon Fence (S-VCF).”
The Livestock Marketed Composite Index declined by 8.7% in November 2025, reversing a 12.6% increase recorded in October. On an annual basis, however, the index rose marginally by 0.5%.
“In total, 55,126 cattle were sold in November 2025, up from 53,370 in October 2025, but lower than the 58,444 cattle sold in November 2024,” the NSA reported.
The Cattle Export to Approved Abattoirs and Butchers Index decreased by 9.8% during the reporting period, reversing the previous month’s gain of 32.2%. Despite the monthly decline, the index increased by 20.6% year on year.
In terms of volumes, the NSA said 11,565 calves were sold to butchers and abattoirs authorised for export in November 2025. This was lower than the 12,823 calves sold in October 2025, but higher than the 9,592 recorded in November 2024.
Live small stock exports also weakened during the month. After increasing by 20.4% in October, the Index for Live Small Stock Exports fell by 1.5% in November 2025 and declined by 22.5% year on year.
“Sheep accounted for 64.0% of the 33,338 small animals exported live during the period, while goats made up the remaining 36.0%,” the NSA said.
Although the November 2025 figure exceeded the 27,536 animals exported in November 2024, it was slightly lower than the 33,356 small stock exported in October 2025.
Pig slaughtering activity also declined. The NSA said the Pigs Slaughtered Index fell by 8.3% in November 2025, compared with a 4.5% decline in the previous month, while the index decreased by 1.8% year on year.
“In November 2025, 4,270 pigs were slaughtered locally, down from 4,655 in October 2025 and 4,349 in the corresponding month of 2024,” the agency reported.
