Trade between Zimbabwe and China reached US$4.408 billion in 2025, with Zimbabwe recording a US$738 million surplus as mineral exports and Chinese-backed investments in mining and processing continue to drive bilateral economic relations.
Figures from China’s Ministry of Commerce show that Zimbabwe exported goods worth US$2.573 billion to China during the year, against imports valued at US$1.835 billion, resulting in exports exceeding imports by US$738 million.
The trade relationship has continued to expand in 2026, with steel exports from Dinson Iron and Steel Company (DISCO)’s Manhize project and growing agricultural exports contributing to Zimbabwe’s export performance.
According to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, Zimbabwe’s exports to China rose by 142.4% to US$1.44 billion during the first seven months of 2026, while China’s share of Zimbabwe’s total exports increased from 12.5% to 19.6%.
The growth highlights China’s growing importance as a destination for Zimbabwean products, particularly minerals and other commodities supporting the country’s export earnings.
The expanding trade relationship comes amid continued Chinese investment in Zimbabwe’s mining, mineral processing and manufacturing sectors, which are central to the country’s drive to increase domestic value addition, expand industrial capacity and diversify export earnings.
