Zimbabwe-China trade hits US$1.9 billion

Published: 16 hours ago
Trade between Zimbabwe and China has surged to an impressive US$1.9 billion in the first five months of 2025, reflecting an annual growth rate of over 18%, according to figures revealed at the China-Zimbabwe Business Forum held in Harare on Tuesday.

Statistics presented during the forum highlighted a notable increase in Zimbabwe's exports to China, which rose by more than 14%. At the same time, imports from China also experienced significant growth, climbing by 29% to surpass US$600 million.

Despite the sharp rise in imports, Zimbabwe managed to maintain a trade surplus of over US$7 million, a development seen as a positive sign of the country's improving export competitiveness. Tobacco remains Zimbabwe's leading export to China, but there has been a remarkable rise in exports of horticultural products, particularly citrus fruits, which have now become the country's second-largest export to the Chinese market.

"For the period under review, it is imperative to observe that tobacco has been the key export commodity by Zimbabwe to China," said Steve Ke Zhao, chief executive of the China Zimbabwe Exchange Centre. "However, horticultural produce, including citrus commodities, is in the second spot mainly as a result of increased demand."

Zhao noted that the strengthened diplomatic ties between Zimbabwe and China had created broader opportunities for collaboration across key sectors such as energy, mining, manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism. These ties, he said, have laid a strong foundation for continued trade growth and deeper economic integration.

Permanent Secretary for Presidential Affairs and Devolution, Tafadzwa Muguti, described the growing economic co-operation between the two nations as a cornerstone of Zimbabwe's development agenda. "These figures reflect ever-rising co-operation that is translating to increased business activities," Muguti said. "Going forward, we just need to identify more opportunities for growth and pinpoint areas where we can bolster existing ties."

According to ZimTrade, China remains one of Zimbabwe's top five trading partners globally, with bilateral trade steadily expanding as the two nations strengthen their political and economic relationship.

The latest trade figures underscore Zimbabwe's efforts to diversify its export markets while also highlighting China's role as a key driver of Zimbabwe's trade growth, particularly in agriculture and mining.
- newsday
Tags: Trade,

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