Namibia is on the cusp of a significant agricultural triumph, poised to tap into the colossal appetite of China’s 1.3 billion consumers with its premium table grapes. A landmark agreement, years in the making, is nearing completion, promising to inject an estimated US$10.5 million seasonally into the nation’s burgeoning grape sector, currently valued at US$68.4 million.
Catherine Shipushu, the articulate spokesperson for the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), confirmed that the final hurdle – the signature of Chinese authorities on the draft export agreement – is within sight. This follows Namibia’s earlier breakthrough in 2018, when its beef secured access to the coveted Chinese market.
While China itself stands as the world’s largest producer of table grapes, Namibia is strategically positioning itself to capitalise on seasonal lulls in domestic supply. “Seasonal supply gaps and rising consumer demand for premium quality off-season grapes continue to create opportunities for import,” Ms. Shipushu astutely pointed out.
Data from the International Trade Centre underscores the potential, revealing that China’s imports of fresh table grapes averaged a hefty US$400 million between 2023 and 2024. Namibia’s trump card lies in its harvest period, which runs from November to January, perfectly complementing China’s northern hemisphere production cycle. “Namibia’s harvest period (November to January) falls outside northern grape production, making it an ideal supplier for China’s off-season demand,” Ms. Shipushu explained.
Although official revenue projections are still being finalised, the anticipation is palpable. Ms. Shipushu offered a tantalising glimpse of the potential gains: “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.”
This golden opportunity is open to all Namibian grape producers who can meet the required standards. Key players already geared up for this exciting venture include the 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,” Ms. Shipushu revealed.
This positive development arrives at a crucial juncture for Namibia’s grape industry, particularly in the wake of the United States’ recent decision to hike import tariffs to a hefty 21%. It’s a stark reminder of the volatile nature of international trade. Namibia first broke into the US market in 2006, a testament to six years of rigorous effort to meet stringent American sanitary regulations.
Namibia’s growing prominence in the global grape market is further highlighted by its 2022 ranking as the 17th-largest producer worldwide. Adding to its success story, Namibian grapes made their debut in major UK supermarkets just last year. In December 2024 alone, the total export value of Namibian grapes reached an impressive US$42.9 million, with the UK and the Netherlands proving to be key buyers.
The impending access to the Chinese market represents not just a financial boost, but a strategic diversification that will undoubtedly strengthen Namibia’s agricultural sector and its position on the global stage. The sweet taste of success, it seems, is just around the corner for Namibian grape farmers.
