Story by Stanley James, Business Editor
TRADE between Zimbabwe and China has exceeded US$4 billion, marking a significant expansion in bilateral economic relations and reinforcing China’s position as one of Zimbabwe’s largest trading partners.
According to figures released by the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe, bilateral trade rose from US$3 billion in 2024 to more than US$4.39 billion in 2025, representing a year-on-year growth of over 14 percent.
The data shows that Zimbabwe recorded a trade surplus of more than US$700 million, driven largely by strong export performance, particularly in tobacco and other agricultural commodities.
Chinese Embassy Economic and Commercial Counsellor, Mr Huang Mingai, said the growth reflects deepening economic cooperation and expanding market access for Zimbabwean products.
“China–Zimbabwe trade reached a new high in 2025. Bilateral trade reached US$4.39 billion, a record high up 14.7 percent year on year. China imported goods and services from Zimbabwe worth over US$2.5 billion and exported goods and services worth over US$1.84 billion,” Mr Huang said.
“Zimbabwe however recorded a trade surplus of over US$700 million with China. Tobacco remained China’s largest import from Zimbabwe, reaching a record of over US$790 million. Other imports comprised macadamia nuts, and export protocols for Zimbabwean avocado and blueberry from China have been finalised, with shipments set to begin in 2026,” he added.
The sustained increase in trade has strengthened foreign currency inflows into Zimbabwe, with agriculture and mineral exports continuing to anchor the country’s export earnings.
Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) past president Mr Charles Msipa said the expanding trade relationship has delivered broader economic benefits, particularly in employment creation.
“Employment creation, especially in the tobacco value chains, is one of the key areas, while gold and mineral exports to China have created that opportunity to enhance or upscale the level of trade. In the long term, it is our hope to boost the volumes of trade,” Mr Msipa said.
Bilateral trade between Zimbabwe and China is expected to grow further following the approval of export protocols for locally produced horticultural commodities, which will open new market opportunities in the Chinese economy from 2026.
