By Senior Editor, China Africa News
Harare, January 16, 2026 — In a year that has seen Zimbabwe’s export sector gain remarkable momentum, China has emerged as a pivotal market, ranking as the country’s third-largest export destination in 2025 a clear sign of deepening economic ties between Harare and Beijing.
According to the latest figures from Zimbabwe’s trade promotion authority ZimTrade, China accounted for 16.9 percent of the nation’s total exports in the first 11 months of 2025, underscoring a shift in global demand and diplomatic engagement.
This milestone comes as Zimbabwe’s overall export performance strengthens. Cumulative export earnings from January to November 2025 reached approximately USD 8.57 billion, representing a 27 percent increase compared with the same period a year earlier.
While the United Arab Emirates and South Africa remain Zimbabwe’s top two markets, China’s rise reflects both expanding market access and growing appetite for Zimbabwean agricultural produce and commodities.
Trade officials point to recent agreements between the two governments that have opened Chinese markets to a wider range of Zimbabwean products, notably horticultural goods such as citrus fruits, avocados and blueberries. These protocols have helped broaden Zimbabwe’s export base beyond traditional commodities like tobacco.
ZimTrade Chief Executive Allan Majuru said the initiatives aim not only to boost outward shipments but also to strengthen returns for local farmers and reduce trade leakages, a long-standing challenge for domestic producers navigating global markets.
Economists say the stronger export performance reflects strategic diversification and improved production capacity, positioning Zimbabwe to better leverage rising global demand in Asia and beyond. China’s growing role as an export hub highlights the evolving dynamics of Zimbabwe’s trade landscape as the country heads into 2026.
