Administrative issues at Namibia’s Plant Protection Organisation have led to the withdrawal of all export permits for fresh produce, creating uncertainty for traders
South Africa’s agricultural trade with neighbouring nations has encountered major hurdles in recent years, particularly due to import restrictions enforced by Namibia and Botswana.
These limitations have disrupted market stability, impacting both farmers and traders reliant on regional exports.
However, recent developments indicate that Namibia may be reconsidering its prolonged ban on vegetable imports from South Africa, a decision that could provide much-needed relief for the agricultural sector.
Now, barely a month before trucks carrying hundreds of containers of Namibian table grapes will be lining up at the Orange River on the country’s southern border with South Africa, a ‘tomato war’ is threatening the normal flow of produce between the two countries.
Reports from Namibia said an administrative lapse on the part of the Namibian Plant Protection Organisation is threatening exports of 3,000 tonnes of the country’s tomatoes.
The matter is now in court in South Africa – where it has been postponed because it is not regarded as urgent.
Reports have said that since 18 September all export permits for Namibian fresh producers have been withdrawn – for the time being.
Most commentators believe the dispute will be short-lived, but also note that disputes over the fresh produce flow across South Africa’s northern borders have become frequent occurrences.
The Namibian table grape season is due to start around 14 November and Cape Town remains the favoured port for exporters.
Some argue, though, that shipments via Walvis Bay were very successful last year and disputes towards the south could be handled if needed.
Vegetable exporters from Namibia have increasingly found the Gauteng area around Johannesburg to be a lucrative market.
Observers in Windhoek said there have been several fresh produce border disputes in the past between the two countries.
At present all tomatoes, onions, cabbages, English cucumbers and carrots grown in South Africa are banned from being imported into Namibia.
