Namibia imports 80% of slaughter pork

The pig industry remains pocket-sized in Namibia, with more than 80% of slaughter pork being imported.According to Agribank’s Market Watch, the pork ceiling price skyrocketed in December to N$51.03/kg compared to N$37.8/kg recorded in the previous year, partially due to the low supply of local pork.Pigs marketed also declined by 3% to 4 632 heads in 2022 from 47 723 the previous year."The swine-flu outbreak remains a threat to pig farming in Africa, with certain areas in South Africa already affected. This could have an adverse impact on the piggery industry in 2023."Cattle marketAt least 240 463 cattle were marketed in 2022, recording a 2.3% growth compared to 2021.According to Agribank, this is the first annual expansion in three years."The growth is attributed to increased marketing in the first half of 2022, due to relatively good prices at export abattoirs."However, it said that a downward trend was noted in the second half of last year as a result of the ban on live cattle exports to South Africa.Agribank added that climate change, rising input costs and animal diseases remain major risks to the industry this year.Sheep marketSheep marketing performed significantly well last year, increasing by 39% to 565 894 animals compared to the 406 005 registered in 2021."The upbeat growth is owed to live sheep exports that recorded a double-digit growth of 49% to 424 807 in 2022 from the 285 571 heads in the prior year," said Agribank.Furthermore, it said that the upward trend in sheep marketing is expected to be sustained throughout this year due to slaughtering activities at export abattoirs and the resumption of business at Farmers Meat Market in Mariental.The goat sector also surged by double digits of 25% to 142 000 goat heads in 2022 from 113 162 in 2021."The growth is owed to the increase in demand for live goat exports to South Africa," said Agribank.It said that better grazing conditions this year will continue to boost growth in the small stock sector.Steep price of foodFood prices are expected to remain elevated in the first half of this year, despite the decline in global food commodity prices.Food and non-alcoholic beverages increased to 11.8% in December 2022, up from 5.1% in December 2021.The surge in prices is a result of geopolitical tension that affected the supply of grains.Agribank said that although global food prices have subsided, they remain above the historic average. However, as energy prices fall, there will be some relief in transportation inflation.

Namibia imports 80% of slaughter pork

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Namibian Sun 2025-11-07

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Namibia imports 80% of slaughter pork

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Namibian Sun 2025-11-07

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