Namibian grapes to face tough China import regulations

Namibia’s table grape growers say the phytosanitary agreement with China opens new export opportunities, although strict import requirements could delay shipments and market access.

The agreement was signed on 10 July between Namibia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform and Chinas’s general administration of customs, establishing the phytosanitary requirements for exporting fresh table grapes to China.

However, grape growers warn that China’s requirements are very strict and that some regulations may delay the arrival of grapes outside of the expected time frame in Europe, adding that the market may not be open for the 2026/27 grape season.

Achill Island Investments chief executive Willem Visser says the phytosanitary agreement is necessary for the country’s table grapes to have access to more markets.