American poultry producers are poised to tap into a new and lucrative market in Namibia, following an announcement by US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins that the Southern African nation will now permit imports of fresh, frozen, and chilled poultry from the United States. This breakthrough agreement is projected to unlock a market valued at approximately $15 million for US exporters, according to a news release from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).
“This agreement creates new opportunities for US poultry exporters and reflects Namibia’s confidence in our food safety standards,” stated Secretary Rollins, highlighting the significance of the development for American agricultural trade.
Beyond the approval of new product categories, Namibian authorities have further streamlined trade by eliminating specific export and transit permit requirements for processed poultry products. This crucial adjustment reopens a previously restricted channel, offering additional avenues for US exporters.
Namibia’s endorsement of US food safety standards, particularly its acceptance of oversight by the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), serves as a robust reaffirmation of the international credibility of the American food inspection system. The FSIS plays a critical role in ensuring that all exported poultry products adhere to stringent safety and wholesomeness benchmarks.
This latest market access triumph is part of a broader strategic initiative by the USDA to bolster agricultural exports. Secretary Rollins has been actively engaged in trade discussions, recently leading delegations to the United Kingdom and Italy. Her upcoming itinerary includes key visits to Japan, Vietnam, India, Peru, and Brazil in the coming months, underscoring the department’s aggressive push for global market expansion. The USDA’s trade mission calendar for 2025 also features vital engagements in the Dominican Republic, Taiwan, Côte d’Ivoire, and Mexico, signaling a sustained effort to open new doors for American agricultural products worldwide
