China’s zero-tariff policy boon for Zimbabwe trade

Zimbabwean exporters to China have received a major boost after Beijing implemented a zero-tariff policy, opening vast opportunities for Zimbabwean products in one of the world’s largest markets.

Early this year, China announced the zero-tariff policy on goods from Zimbabwe and 52 other African countries from May 1.

Archford Mabuka, a Zimbabwean analyst, said the move comes as China has emerged as one of Zimbabwe’s most dynamic export destinations.

“The facility provides duty-free access for a wide range of products, including agricultural commodities, processed foods, horticultural products, textiles, leather goods, industrial inputs and selected manufactured products,” Mabuka said.

“The growth in exports over the past five years demonstrates both the strength of demand in the Chinese market and the potential for further expansion under the new arrangement,” he said.

“This remarkable growth reflects China’s increasing appetite for Zimbabwean products and underscores the strategic importance of market diversification.”

The development aligns well with Zimbabwe’s industrialization agenda, which seeks to move beyond raw commodity exports toward greater value addition and beneficiation, he added.

ZimTrade, the national trade promotion organization, launched a practical guide last week to help exporters navigate China’s zero-tariff policy and meet Chinese market requirements.

The guide outlines applicable rules of origin for exported products, as well as compliance with China’s sanitary and phytosanitary requirements, product standards and customs procedures.

It also highlights the need to strengthen logistics systems to ensure goods can be moved into the Chinese market reliably and cost-effectively, while encouraging exporters to move beyond raw commodities toward value-added products that capture a larger share of the value chain.

ZimTrade assured exporters that it would support them “from origin certification to market intelligence and buyer linkages” in China.

“This is one of the most significant trade openings Zimbabwean exporters have been offered in recent years,” said Allan Majuru, the organization’s CEO.

“Understanding exactly what is required will determine their success in utilizing the benefit of this window,” he said.

“The zero-tariff treatment is an opportunity to change that picture and to bring new products into the Chinese market that previously faced tariff barriers, diversifying Zimbabwe’s export base beyond raw materials,” he added.

Zimbabwe’s minister of information, publicity and broadcasting services, Zhemu Soda, described the zero-tariff policy as “low-hanging fruit” for Zimbabwean businesses.

“Those who are into agriculture and other sectors should take advantage of it to increase trade with China. It’s a good opportunity for expanded trade,” he said.

Strategic opportunity

Jimmy Psillos, chairman of Zimbabwe’s Competition and Tariff Commission, said the policy presents a strategic opportunity for the country’s export sector.

“By allowing qualifying products to enter the Chinese market duty-free, the initiative opens access to one of the largest and most dynamic consumer markets in the world,” he said.

The arrangement is unilateral and reflects China’s broader commitment to strengthening economic cooperation with Africa, creating “a critical window for Zimbabwean firms to position themselves in the Chinese market”, he added.

As Africa’s third-largest blueberry producer, Zimbabwe has already begun taking advantage of the policy, recently exporting its first shipment of blueberries to China.

Trade between Zimbabwe and China reached a record $4.4 billion last year, up 15 percent from 2024, according to the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce.

“For Zimbabwe, this is more than a trade concession — it is an industrialization opportunity,” the chamber said, adding that the Chinese market already absorbs Zimbabwean minerals and tobacco.

The next frontier is higher-value exports, it said. “The challenge now shifts from market access to productive capacity.”

The writer is a freelance journalist for China Daily.