Bilateral trade between Zimbabwe and China reached US$5.01 billion in the first nine months of 2026, representing a 51.6% increase year-on-year.
In a statement, yesterday, the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe said the growth reflected the benefits of the longstanding partnership between the two countries, with agricultural exports contributing to Zimbabwe’s increased access to the Chinese market.
“China-Zimbabwe economic and trade cooperation continues to deliver tangible benefits to both countries, demonstrating the strength of a partnership built on mutual benefit, shared opportunities and common development,” the embassy said.
The embassy said the latest trade figures, drawn from China Customs data, highlighted the growing commercial ties between the two countries and the potential for further cooperation across key economic sectors.
“Zimbabwe’s tobacco exports to China reached US$860 million during the period, registering a 9.3% increase compared with the same period last year,” the Embassy said.
The embassy said the performance underscored the importance of agricultural trade in bilateral relations and Zimbabwe’s potential to expand exports by taking advantage of the Chinese market.
“Zimbabwean agricultural products continue to find opportunities in China, and the growth in tobacco exports demonstrates the value of strengthening trade links between our two countries,” the embassy said.
In a significant development for Zimbabwe’s horticultural industry, the country’s blueberries entered the Chinese market for the first time in July this year, opening fresh opportunities for local producers seeking to diversify agricultural exports.
The development could create opportunities for Zimbabwean farmers and exporters to reach a wider consumer base, while supporting efforts to broaden the country’s export portfolio beyond traditional commodities.
The embassy said China was supporting Zimbabwe in maximising the benefits of its zero-tariff policy to increase exports and improve access to the Chinese market.
“China stands ready to support Zimbabwe in fully leveraging the zero-tariff policy, enabling more Zimbabwean products to access the Chinese market and creating new opportunities for trade and investment,” the embassy said.
The policy offers Zimbabwe an opportunity to strengthen the competitiveness of its products in China, particularly as producers explore new markets for agricultural commodities.
