Zimbabwe is entering a transformative era in agricultural trade with China , anchored by a new zero-tariff policy effective May 1, 2026.
This initiative, expanding on existing trade protocols, eliminates duties on 100% of tariff lines for imports from 53 African nations, including Zimbabwe.
According to tvbrics, this is coming after Zimbabwe earned US$11.62 million from agricultural exports to China in 2025. “With China’s zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries, including Zimbabwe, taking effect on May 1, 2026, we are pleased to see Chinese buyers already visiting local farms in Zimbabwe to source premium produce,” the Chinese embassy stated.
In April, a meeting will take place in Zimbabwe between local exporters and a delegation from China. The delegation will include importers of fresh produce, wholesalers, representatives of retail chains, investors and processors. The focus will be on horticultural crops: avocados, macadamia nuts, blueberries, pecans, chillies, and sesame seeds. The Chinese delegates will also visit local farms and packing houses where export crops are produced.
Zimbabwe and China are steadily strengthening their trade ties. In 2022, the countries signed an agreement on the supply of citrus fruits (sweet and sour oranges, mandarins and lemons). In 2024, a document was signed for the export of avocados, and in 2025 – blueberries. In 2024, China became Zimbabwe’s third-largest export market. Exports to China reached US$2.44 billion – three times more than in 2015. Imports from China amounted to US$1.4 billion. The main items were machinery, transport vehicles and tyres. Zimbabwe’s trade surplus exceeded US$1 billion thanks to exports of tobacco, minerals, iron, steel alloys and macadamia nuts.
