Namibia’s cattle marketing activity declined sharply in May, weighing on overall livestock sales as fewer animals were delivered to export-approved abattoirs and live exports fell, according to the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA).
The agency reported that the Livestock Marketed Composite Index declined by 14.3% month-on-month and 4.2% year-on-year, reflecting weaker marketing activity across the livestock sector.
A total of 100,914 animals were marketed during the month, down from 103,143 in April, although still above the 89,434 marketed in May 2025.
“The Livestock Marketed Composite Index declined further by 14.3% month-on-month, following an 8.9% decrease recorded in April 2026. On a year-on-year basis, the index contracted by 4.2%,” the NSA said.
Cattle marketed to export-approved abattoirs and butchers fell 13.6% from April and 13.3% compared with the same month last year. The number of cattle marketed declined to 12,685 from 14,686 in April and 14,623 in May 2025.
“The Cattle Export to Approved Abattoirs and Butchers Index recorded a 13.6% decline in May 2026, following a 7.1% decrease in April 2026. On a year-on-year basis, the index also fell by 13.3%,” the NSA said.
Live cattle exports also weakened significantly, with the index falling 38.0% after recording a 1.9% increase in April. The number of cattle exported on the hoof dropped to 5,280 from 8,521 a month earlier, although exports remained 34.8% higher than the 3,918 recorded in May 2025.
Despite the weakness in the cattle market, small stock marketing recovered during the month.
The Small Stock Export to Approved Abattoirs and Butchers Index increased 32.5% from April, reversing the sharp decline recorded a month earlier, and was 7.4% higher than a year ago.
A total of 9,699 small stock animals were marketed during May, all sourced from south of the Veterinary Cordon Fence.
“The Small Stock Export to Approved Abattoirs and Butchers Index increased by 32.5% in May 2026, reversing the 58.2% decline recorded in April 2026. On a year-on-year basis, the index also rose by 7.4%,” the NSA said.
Live small stock exports also strengthened, rising 1.1% month-on-month and 19.4% year-on-year. Of the 68,599 animals exported, sheep accounted for 89.2%, while goats made up the remaining 10.8%.
Meanwhile, pig slaughtering eased 2.9% from April but remained 5.3% higher than a year earlier, with 4,651 pigs slaughtered locally during May.
