By: Nghiinomenwa-vali Hangala
As of the end of March, the country has exported 750,146 kilograms of processed, raw skin and hides to various countries from the 56,415 heads of cattle slaughtered in Namibia for the production of beef.
Out of the exported total, a majority was raw hides.
The statistics, as compiled by the Livestock and Livestock Board of Namibia, the country exported 462,247 kilograms of hides.
In terms of processed leather, the country exported/sold 205,199 kilograms of processed skin.
This was followed by unprocessed skin for small livestock, weighing 82,750 kilograms.
These animal skin and hides are byproducts produced from slaughtered animals for beef.
In the same period (3 months) the country has slaughtered 56,425 heads for beef export and domestic consumption, which produced the skin raw material.
The export was destined for various countries but South Africa took up the majority of the share.
South Africa received 147,388 Kilograms of Namibian processed leather, 82,750 kilograms of animal skin and 171,377 kilograms of hides.
This is also in line with South Africa’s value addition agenda, with Namibia importing most of its leather from South Africa, including jackets, shoes and bags.
Meanwhile 245,242 kilograms of Namibian hides were exported to the United Kingdom during the first three months of the year.
Despite Namibia being a producer of leather products, the country continues to export raw animal skin and hides.
The Ministry of Finance has lowered the export levy on a number of raw skin and hides this year.
