China seeks 20,000 tonnes of Namibian beef monthly
Beijing’s demand far exceeds Namibia’s current annual beef export volumes
NAMIBIA – China has shown interest in importing up to 20,000 tonnes of beef from Namibia each month, a target that significantly exceeds the country’s existing export levels.
According to the Ministry of International Relations and Trade executive director, Ndiitah Nghipondoka-Robiati, Namibia’s current production capacity is insufficient to meet the potential demand from China.
Speaking at a recent forum, she said the country’s beef industry faces structural limitations that restrict its ability to meet such large-scale export requirements.
Nghipondoka-Robiati explained that while Namibia exports about 8,000 tonnes of beef annually to the European Union, the volume requested by China is more than double that figure every month.
She said this imbalance highlights the importance of improving local production systems to enable Namibian producers to meet growing international market opportunities.
The ministry official added that Namibia continues to engage with trading partners, including China and Japan, to strengthen export ties and expand market access for agricultural goods.
Beef Export Trends
Namibia became the first African nation to export beef to China in 2019, and exports have gradually increased since then.
In 2023, the value of beef exports to China was about N$60 million (approximately US$3.1 million), representing a 19.8% rise from the previous year.
However, the country’s overall beef exports have declined sharply in 2025, with export volumes in the first half of the year falling by nearly half compared to the same period in 2024.
Industry analysts attribute the drop to persistent economic challenges and reduced cattle numbers following prolonged drought conditions.
Need for Increased Production
Nghipondoka-Robiati noted that Namibia’s trade potential depends on enhancing both production and competitiveness within the livestock sector.
She said while market access agreements provide opportunities for growth, the country’s ability to supply consistent and sufficient volumes remains a key challenge.
Namibia maintains trade arrangements with partners such as the European Union and India, while talks with China and Japan continue to develop.
Agricultural stakeholders have called for more investment in livestock production and processing to support the country’s export ambitions and respond effectively to new market demands.
Although China’s interest signals growing confidence in Namibian beef, the country’s producers will need to expand herds and improve efficiency to meet such ambitious targets.
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