Zim Eyes Chinese Market to Boost Avocado, Macadami...

Zim Eyes Chinese Market to Boost Avocado, Macadamia Exports

Rutendo Mazhindu

ZimNow Reporter

Zimbabwe moved to strengthen its agricultural trade with China, targeting increased exports of avocados and macadamia nuts.

This followed the signing of the “Protocol for Phytosanitary Requirements for Export of Zimbabwean Fresh Avocado to China” at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit in Beijing in 2024.

ZimTrade, the country’s national trade development and promotion body, said the agreement allowed for the seamless export of fresh avocados to China.

The move was expected to significantly boost Zimbabwe’s trade volumes with one of the world's largest consumer markets.

“China represents a massive opportunity for Zimbabwean agriculture and this mission will not only deepen our trade relations with China but also open doors for Zimbabwean producers to tap into a market that is rapidly growing in demand for high-quality agricultural products like avocados and macadamias,” said ZimTrade Chief Executive Officer Allan Majuru.

He added, “We are confident that the business connections forged during this mission will result in significant trade deals that benefit both Zimbabwean producers and the broader economy.”

China became Zimbabwe’s third-largest trading partner, up from 13th position in 2019. In 2023, China imported US$151.2 million worth of avocados and US$22.7 million in macadamia nuts globally, with Zimbabwe contributing US$8.5 million to those figures.

“China’s growing appetite for avocados and macadamias is not just a passing trend. It is a reflection of changing dietary habits and an increasing focus on healthy eating,” said ZimTrade’s Director of Operations Similo Nkala. “This mission allowed us to directly engage with Chinese buyers who were looking for fresh, high-quality produce, and that’s exactly what Zimbabwe can offer.”

ZimTrade aimed to connect producers from Manicaland Province the country’s key avocado and macadamia growing region with Chinese buyers who were actively seeking new sources of supply.

Over 70 companies from the region participated in the trade push, which also involved four Chinese buyers and key stakeholders including government officials and logistics firms.

Admire Jongwe, ZimTrade’s Eastern Region Manager, said, “We were proud to bring together such a diverse group of participants for this mission. This is a pivotal moment for Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector, and we believed the event would help open the door to new business opportunities that benefit the entire industry.”