China-Zimbabwe trade hits $1.9 Billion

Philemon Jambaya

Zim Now Editor

Trade between Zimbabwe and China has surged to an impressive US$1.9 billion within the first five months of 2025, marking an annual growth rate exceeding 18 percent. This remarkable expansion was unveiled at the China-Zimbabwe Business Forum held in Harare on Tuesday, highlighting the deepening economic ties between the two nations.

Figures presented at the forum reveal a significant uptick in Zimbabwe’s exports to China, which have surged by more than 14 percent. Imports from China have also experienced substantial growth, rising by 29 percent to over US600million.Despitetheconsiderableincreaseinimports,ZimbabwesuccessfullymaintainedatradesurplusofoverUS7 million, a positive indicator of the country’s burgeoning export competitiveness.

Tobacco continues to be Zimbabwe’s top export commodity to China, maintaining its traditional strength. However, a notable shift has seen horticultural produce, particularly citrus fruits, climb to second place on the export list. This reflects a growing demand from Chinese consumers for Zimbabwean horticultural products, opening up new avenues for agricultural diversification and export growth.

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

Zhao further emphasized that improved diplomatic relations between Zimbabwe and China have been instrumental in unlocking broader opportunities for trade and investment. These opportunities span strategic sectors such as energy, mining, manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism, pointing towards a multifaceted economic partnership.

Tafadzwa Muguti, Permanent Secretary for Presidential Affairs and Devolution, lauded the economic cooperation as a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s development agenda. "They (figures) reflect ever-rising co-operation that is translating to increased business activities," he stated. "Going forward, we just need to identify more opportunities for growth and pinpoint areas where we can bolster existing ties."

According to ZimTrade, Zimbabwe's national trade promotion body, China stands as one of Zimbabwe’s top five global trading partners, underscoring the strategic importance of this bilateral relationship.