Namibia has seen a shift in its livestock export dynamics over the past five months, with more live animals being exported than slaughtered for value addition and export. The majority of these live animals were exported to South Africa, with a notable increase in beef imports from various countries. Despite the potential value creation from slaughtering and selling beef, the market trends and prices have led the industry towards more live exports. This situation, coupled with rising production costs and a shift towards weaner exports, presents challenges for the local beef sector. High costs, especially in capital expenditure, maintenance, and vehicle repairs, are putting pressure on producers' profit margins, influencing production decisions and the balance between weaner and slaughter-ready cattle production. This scenario underscores the need for a sustainable and profitable livestock sector, requiring careful consideration of market dynamics, production costs, and policy support to ensure the long-term viability of beef production in Namibia.