China bans Namibian beef imports

The decision comes after the African country announced several cases of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) in late September.

Namibian beef can no longer be exported to China , the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) said late last month. The decision follows an announcement made in September by the Namibian authorities that several cases of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) have been detected in two villages in Omusati, Namibia.

According to GACC, the decision was aimed at preventing the disease from entering China. Since last year, Namibia has opened up some important beef markets such as the US , the EU or Norway. However, the African country still focuses on the export of live cattle, as indicated by reports from the Namibian Meat Board. The total volume of cattle sales decreased by 12.39%, and 170,838 cattle were sold in the first three quarters of the year.

Reviewing the performance of the livestock sector in the third quarter of 2021, the Meat Council said that of the total number of cattle sold from the beginning of the year to date, 59% were live exports. The stock of commercial livestock declined as producers continued to replenish their herds. The increase in product sales was driven by an increase in slaughter at approved export slaughterhouses, according to a press release from the Meat Council.