Namibia is nearing the completion of an agreement to access China's grape market, which comprises 1.3 billion consumers. This development is projected to generate approximately US$10.5 million seasonally from this market. Currently, Namibia's grape sector contributes around US$68.4 million.
The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) spokesperson, Catherine Shipushu, stated that efforts to expand agricultural exports to China have been underway for several years. The initial advancement was the approval of Namibian beef exports in 2018.
"Currently, the draft agreement for grape exports is with the Chinese authorities for final approval and signature," Shipushu noted. Despite China being the largest producer of table grapes, Namibia aims to fill seasonal supply gaps. "Seasonal supply gaps and rising consumer demand for premium quality off-season grapes continue to create opportunities for import," Shipushu added.
The International Trade Centre reports that China's imports of fresh table grapes averaged about US$400 million between 2023 and 2024. "Namibia's harvest period (November to January) falls outside northern grape production, making it an ideal supplier for China's off-season demand," Shipushu explained. Although official revenue projections are pending, the new market is expected to generate millions. "Even a conservative scenario, exporting just 10,000 tons to China at US$1.05/kg would yield US$10.5 million in seasonal export earnings, with room to grow production," she mentioned.
The opportunity to export grapes to China is available to all Namibian producers meeting the criteria. Key entities poised for export include Namibia Grape Company and Namibian Grapes Export (Pty) Ltd. "Currently, the NIPDB has engaged Namibian grape farms along the Orange River, such as those at Aussenkehr, which are established producers of high-quality table grapes for export," Shipushu stated.
This development coincides with a period of need following the United States' decision to raise import tariffs on Namibia to 21%. The first Namibian grapes entered the US market in 2006, following a six-year effort to meet stringent US sanitary standards.
In 2022, Namibia ranked as the 17th-largest global producer of table grapes. Additionally, Namibian grapes were introduced to major UK supermarkets for the first time last year. In December 2024, the total export value of grapes was US$42.9 million, with the UK and the Netherlands as primary buyers.
Source: the Namibian