Namibia clears table grape exports to China
China's zero-tariff policy offers Namibian producers a pricing advantage for grapes and wild aquatic products.
Namibia has approved table grape exports to China, opening a new market under the countries' agricultural cooperation agreement. Chinese ambassador Zhao Weiping announced the approval, which also covers wild aquatic products, at a seminar in Windhoek. This move provides Namibian grape exporters with a pricing advantage due to China's zero-tariff policy for African countries.
Exporters must demonstrate consistent quality and reliable supply to scale up volumes in the Chinese market. The agreement diversifies Namibia's export base beyond single commodities, creating additional revenue streams. Minister Inge Zaamwani stated Namibia is shifting towards irrigation and climate-smart farming, with four areas identified for agricultural development cooperation with China.
This cooperation follows President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s July 2026 visit to China, which focused on food security and farming technology. The focus on value addition matters because fresh grape exports capture less value than processed products, and Namibia has limited agro-processing capacity. Key for investors will be the borehole project's water delivery and Namibian exporters' ability to meet Chinese phytosanitary requirements.
Why it mattersNamibian farmers and food producers gain direct access to the large Chinese market for their table grapes and wild aquatic products.