In brief
A delegation of 17 companies from Zimbabwe will attend the China International Import Expo in Shanghai from November 5 to 10 to exhibit horticulture, manufacturing, and creative products and to secure new buyers. The move comes as Zimbabwe seeks to diversify its exports and seize opportunities created by China’s expanded zero‑tariff regime that began on May 1. Bilateral trade between the two countries hit a record $5.01 billion in the first nine months of 2026, up 51.6 percent year on year, reflecting the strength of economic ties.
Zimbabwe has selected 17 companies to travel to Shanghai for the ninth China International Import Expo, scheduled to run from November 5 to 10, according to ZimTrade, the nation’s trade development organisation.
The delegation will feature businesses from horticulture, manufacturing, handicrafts, leather, construction, tourism and e‑commerce, with the mission of securing new buyers, establishing partnerships and exploring opportunities from China’s growing demand for imported goods.
Zimbabwe is riding on a wave of expanded zero‑tariff arrangements that began on May 1, which allow local firms to competitively enter China with a broader range of products. The policy has opened market‑access pathways for processed foods, branded agricultural products, finished leather and arts and crafts.
“The exhibition is expected to support Zimbabwe’s broader efforts to diversify its export basket, strengthen its presence in China and translate growing bilateral economic relations into sustainable business opportunities for local enterprises,” ZimTrade explained in its October 2026 newsletter.
China has become one of Zimbabwe’s top‑three export destinations. Bilateral trade rose to $5.01 billion in the first nine months of 2026, a 51.6 percent jump year on year, the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe reported. While minerals and tobacco continue to dominate exports, there is a growing emphasis on processed agricultural products, manufactured goods and value‑added exports.
Horticulture is among the sectors showing significant potential. Macadamia nuts, citrus, avocado and blueberries have secured market access pathways to China. The successful entry of Zimbabwean blueberries into the Chinese market this year has demonstrated the commercial opportunities that can emerge when improved market access is complemented by export readiness and targeted market development.
ZimTrade spokesperson said, emphasizing the importance of the new shipment as a diversification milestone.
“The successful entry of Zimbabwean blueberries into the Chinese market this year has demonstrated the commercial opportunities that can emerge when improved market access is complemented by export readiness and targeted market development,” ZimTrade said, adding that the country's first shipment marks an important step in diversifying agricultural exports.
The choice of products reflects Zimbabwe’s attempt to capitalize on China’s consumer appetite for fresh produce and high‑quality processed goods. Companies that will showcase their offerings include a macadamia nut processor, an avocado packaging firm, a brand of blueberries, a leather goods manufacturer and a company selling handcrafted wooden art pieces.
Besides product exhibitions, the delegation will host meetings with potential Chinese buyers, investors and government officials to negotiate future contracts and explore joint ventures. ZimTrade hopes to translate the exposure from the expo into concrete agreements that will boost Zimbabwe’s export turnover and diversify its trading portfolio.
The development follows a sustained economic engagement between Zimbabwe and China that has seen financial cooperation, infrastructure projects and trade agreements grow steadily. Trade policy changes such as the expanded zero‑tariff regime signal a commitment by China to deepen economic ties with African partners.
As the expo draws in 65,000 international exhibitors from 150 countries, Zimbabwe’s presence is expected to shine a spotlight on its capacity to supply high‑quality agricultural and manufactured goods to the world’s largest import market.