Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. TRADE between Zimbabwe and China has reached a remarkable US$1,9 billion in the first five months of 2025, marking an annual growth rate of over 18%.
This was revealed at the China-Zimbabwe Business Forum in Harare on Tuesday.
Figures presented at the forum show an increase in Zimbabwe’s exports to China, which surged by more than 14%.
Imports from China also grew significantly, rising by 29% to over US$600 million.
Despite the rise in imports, Zimbabwe managed to maintain a trade surplus of over US$7 million, a positive indicator of the country’s growing export competitiveness.
Key among Zimbabwe’s exports to China is tobacco, which remains the country’s top export commodity.
However, horticultural produce, including citrus fruits, has climbed to second place on the export list, reflecting growing Chinese demand for Zimbabwean horticultural products.
“For the period under review, it is imperative to observe that tobacco has been the key export commodity by Zimbabwe to China,” said Steve Ke Zhao, the chief executive of the China Zimbabwe Exchange Centre.
“However, horticultural produce, including citrus commodities, is in the second spot mainly as a result of increased demand.”
He said improved diplomatic relations between the two countries had opened up broader opportunities for trade and investment in strategic sectors such as energy, mining, manufacturing, agriculture and tourism.
Presidential Affairs and Devolution permanent secretary Tafadzwa Muguti hailed the economic co-operation as the cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s development agenda.
“They (figures) reflect ever-rising co-operation that is translating to increased business activities,” he said.
“Going forward, we just need to identify more opportunities for growth and pinpoint areas where we can bolster existing ties.”
According to ZimTrade, China is one of Zimbabwe’s top five trading partners globally.
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