China–Zimbabwe trade hits a high of $4.39b

China–Zimbabwe economic ties strengthened further in 2025 as bilateral trade hit a record of $4.39 billion, buoyed by robust growth in Chinese exports and steady imports of Zimbabwe's key agricultural commodities, according to data released by the Chinese embassy in Zimbabwe on Tuesday.

Trade between the two countries grew by 14.7 percent year-on-year, with China importing $2.56 billion worth of goods from Zimbabwe, while exports to Zimbabwe rose to $1.84 billion, leaving Zimbabwe with a $720 million trade surplus with China, the embassy said.

Tobacco remained China's largest import from Zimbabwe, reaching a record of $790 million and accounting for 31 percent of China's total imports from the southern African country.

The embassy said China also imported 5,250 metric tons of macadamia nuts from Zimbabwe, valued at $11.62 million, reflecting growing demand for high-value agricultural products.

Meanwhile, export protocols for Zimbabwean avocados and blueberries to the Chinese market have been finalized, with commercial shipments expected to begin in 2026, according to the embassy, a move expected to further diversify Zimbabwe's agricultural exports and deepen bilateral trade cooperation.

This trade performance, analysists said, underscored the potential of Zimbabwe's productive sectors when aligned with strategic international partnerships and it also reflected the importance of value addition, export diversification, and market access in achieving the country's Vision 2030.