Windhoek:Namibia's exports to China experienced a significant growth of 19.1 percent, reaching N$22.7 billion in 2025. This growth considerably surpassed the modest 0.8 percent rise in imports from China, resulting in a trade surplus of approximately N$4.8 billion for Namibia.

According to NAMPA, a Namibia Trade Forum (NTF) factsheet presented at the China-Africa Cooperation Symposium in Windhoek highlighted that total bilateral trade between Namibia and China increased by 10.3 percent, amounting to N$40.6 billion. Imports from China totaled N$17.9 billion, with China accounting for 18.1 percent of Namibia's total exports and 11.9 percent of its imports.

The expansion in trade figures coincides with Namibian exporters benefiting from a zero-tariff access to China, which began on 01 May 2026 under an early harvest arrangement set to last for approximately two years. China's Ambassador to Namibia, Zhao Weiping, noted that China has been Africa's largest trading partner for 17 consecutive years and that the zero-tariff policy is expected to boost African exports to China in the short term while promoting Chinese investment in Africa over the medium to long term.

The NTF reported that Namibia's exports are heavily reliant on uranium, with processed exports reaching only N$2.8 billion in 2025, underscoring the necessity for increased value addition. The forum identified agriculture and agro-processing, fisheries and seafood, and mining and beneficiation as three key areas of export opportunities for Namibia.

The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) ranks China among Namibia's top three export markets and import sources, alongside South Africa. Notably, Namibia is the only African country exporting beef to China, the European Union, and the United States.

To qualify for zero-tariff treatment, a product must have at least 40% of its free-on-board (FOB) price sourced from regional partners, with the final production occurring in the applying member state. The forum also noted potential challenges such as reduced customs revenue, increased competition from inexpensive imports, and risks of oversupply in Namibia's small domestic market. It recommended that Namibia focus on products that can be supplied consistently and competitively, adhering to the market-access requirements of the agreement.