Agric produce top earner as China-Zimbabwe trade hits us$1.9 billion in five months

ZimNow Reporter

Tobacco and other horticultural products were the base for Zimbabwean exports as trade with China surged to over US$1.9 billion in the first five months of 2025, marking an 18% year-on-year growth, according to data released at the China-Zimbabwe Business Forum held in Harare this Tuesday.

Zimbabwe’s exports to China rose by 14%, with tobacco leading, followed by a growing volume of horticultural products such as citrus, thanks to rising Chinese demand.

Imports from China also jumped by 29%, reaching over US$600 million during the same period, but Zimbabwe recorded a positive trade balance of more than US$7 million.

China-Zimbabwe Exchange Centre CEO Steve Ke Zhao highlighted the broadening scope of cooperation:

“While tobacco remains key, new export sectors like horticulture are gaining ground. There is vast potential in energy, mining, manufacturing, and tourism.”

Presidential Affairs Permanent Secretary Engineer Tafadzwa Muguti praised the momentum:

“These figures confirm growing cooperation and underscore the importance of identifying new growth areas.”