Salted, in brine, dried or smoked beef market in Namibia

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, the market for salted, in brine, dried or smoked beef in Namibia reached 307 thousand tons. A strategic industry shift toward farm corporatization and increased emphasis on exports, driven by declining per capita domestic consumption, led to a sharp rise in exports to 122 thousand tons in 2019. This export surge reduced the domestic market volume to 211 thousand tons that year.

From 2020 to 2022, the market size fluctuated: it grew to 234 thousand tons in 2020, contracted to 197 thousand tons in 2021, and recovered to 227 thousand tons in 2022. These movements reflected corresponding changes in domestic production and export volumes.

The market rebounded strongly in 2023, expanding to 359 thousand tons. This recovery was driven by revived livestock marketing activities, rising consumer demand for grass-fed and free-range beef, and Meat Corporation of Namibia's expectations of higher cattle numbers and attractive producer prices. In 2024, beef exports grew rapidly, supported by strong EU demand and increased slaughter activity, while the industry targeted new markets in the Middle East and anticipated the potential operationalization of the Savannah Beef Namibia abattoir to boost processing capacity.

Production salted, in brine, dried or smoked beef in Namibia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of salted, in brine, dried or smoked beef, 2017-2020

World map of production of salted, in brine, dried or smoked beef, 2017-2020

After two years of growth, Namibia's production of salted, brined, dried, or smoked beef declined. In 2020, the country produced 316.7 t, marking a 5.0% year-over-year decrease. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 10.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.3%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 333.3 t, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 7.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Namibia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports salted, in brine, dried or smoked beef from Namibia

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Namibia's exports of salted, brined, dried, or smoked beef varied significantly, with volumes in 2017 being 77 times higher than in 2018. In 2020, the country exported 85.9 t, representing a 29.6% decrease from the previous year. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 2.8 t, with the largest decline that year at 98.7%. Conversely, the largest increase occurred in 2019, surging by 4 227.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Namibia in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Namibia's exports of salted, brined, dried, or smoked beef were primarily directed toward South Africa, which accounted for 95.2% of total export volumes.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Namibia in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Namibia's export value of salted, brined, dried, or smoked beef declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 1 107 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp 38.0% drop compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 55.9%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 23.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Namibia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017-2020, South Africa remained the nearly exclusive buyer of Namibia's salted, brined, dried, or smoked beef in value terms, with a share of 97.9% of total exports.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Namibia in value, 2017-2020

Imports salted, in brine, dried or smoked beef to Namibia

Imports in kind, t

Volatility characterized the market during these years. Imports reached their lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2017, with a 94-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Namibia imported approximately 3.1 t, up by 2 494.1% from 2019. The minimum import volume was recorded in 2019 at 0.1 t, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 96.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Namibia in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, South Africa served as the main source for Namibia's imports of salted, brined, dried, or smoked beef, consistently accounting for 99.9% of total import volumes.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Namibia in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited volatility over the observed period. The lowest import value was recorded in 2019, while the highest occurred in 2017, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 16 times. In 2020, Namibia's imports of salted, brined, dried, or smoked beef amounted to 10 thousand US dollars, representing a sharp increase of 458.4% compared to 2019. The minimum value was 2 thousand US dollars in 2019, and the largest decline was in 2018 at 83.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Namibia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2017-2020, South Africa was the almost exclusive supplier of salted, brined, dried, or smoked beef to Namibia in value terms, capturing 99.6% of total imports.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Namibia in value, 2017-2020