Chamwe Kaira
Namibia’s beef and charcoal exports to the European Union (EU) are under threat after the EU identified several products that contribute to global forest degradation.
The Namibian Agricultural Union (NAU) informed its members that the EU has introduced new rules under the European Union Deforestation Regulations (EUDR).
These rules require exporting countries to ensure that identified products are produced within strict guidelines.
For Namibia, the affected products include beef, cattle hides, and charcoal, while soya beans used in animal feed have an indirect impact.
The EUDR takes effect on 1 January 2026. Namibia is working to put systems in place to comply with the requirements to safeguard its exports.
The Livestock and Livestock Products Board (LLPB) said the entire beef value chain must start following the correct processes immediately.
“All farmers producing cattle that may be destined for the EU market, whether they deliver directly to an abattoir or market via an auction, must comply with the requirements as prescribed by the EU. The LLPB has released a useful document informing producers of what is expected of them,” it said.
Statistics from the Namibia Biomass Industry Group show that Namibia exported 270,000 tonnes of charcoal worth N$1.3 billion in 2023.
LLPB figures indicate that export-approved abattoirs shipped more than 22.7 million kilograms of beef in 2024, with the EU taking 13.2 million kilograms, making it Namibia’s largest beef market.
The EU has classified Namibia as a supplier of two high-risk products and requires compliance with the EUDR.
According to the EU, agricultural expansion linked to commodities such as cattle, wood, cocoa, soy, palm oil, coffee, and rubber is the main driver of deforestation. Derived products like leather, chocolate, tyres, and furniture are also included.
The EU says that as a major consumer of these commodities, it shares responsibility for forest degradation and wants to take the lead in addressing the problem.
