Published: 3 hours ago

China has committed to granting zero tariffs on all Zimbabwean products, a move expected to boost trade and deepen economic cooperation between the two countries. The announcement was made by the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe through its official X account during the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai.

The embassy said the decision would open more opportunities for Zimbabwean goods in the vast Chinese market. Zimbabwe already enjoys a trade surplus of more than US$1 billion annually with China, one of its top three trading partners.

"China has pledged to offer zero tariffs for all Zimbabwean products. This is poised to supercharge more Zimbabwean goods into the Chinese market," the embassy said.

ZimTrade's client advisor for export development, Kupakwashe Midzi, welcomed the development, saying the preferential framework would lower trade barriers and allow Zimbabwean products to compete more effectively. He said CIIE remained a key platform for showcasing Zimbabwe's offerings, attracting Chinese investment and deepening trade ties.

Bilateral trade between the two countries has more than doubled over the past decade. Exports to China reached US$2.44 billion in 2024, up from US$766 million in 2015, while imports rose to US$1.4 billion from US$546 million over the same period. Zimbabwe's trade surplus is largely driven by exports of tobacco, minerals, iron and steel alloys, and macadamia nuts. Imports from China mainly consist of machinery, vehicles and tyres - goods considered essential for Zimbabwe's industrial and economic development.

Midzi said the recent signing of a blueberry export protocol during President Mnangagwa's visit to China would further boost horticultural exports. The Chinese market's growing demand for high-quality, traceable produce presents significant opportunities, particularly as Zimbabwe's blueberry production has grown at an annual rate of 38.4 percent over the past five years, generating US$56.6 million in 2024.

China also remains the largest buyer of Zimbabwean tobacco, accounting for more than 50 percent of exports, according to the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board.

Chinese investment in Zimbabwe continues to rise. The Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) reported that in 2024, Chinese firms accounted for more than 60 percent of all approved foreign investments, with 441 licences worth an estimated US$2.7 billion in projected inflows.

The zero-tariff policy is expected to further stimulate trade volumes, support local producers and strengthen the long-standing economic partnership between the two nations.
- The Herald

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