In brief
Zimbabwe will send 17 companies to the China International Import Expo in Shanghai from 5 to 10 November. The delegation, led by ZimTrade, will feature horticulture, manufacturing, and creative goods and aims to secure new buyers amid China’s expanded zero‑tariff arrangements. Bilateral trade with China surged 51.6% in the first nine months of 2026, highlighting the growing economic partnership between the two countries.
Zimbabwe will take 17 companies to the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai from November 5 to 10, ZimTrade , the national trade development and export‑promotion organization, announced in its October 2026 newsletter.
The delegation will include businesses from horticulture, manufacturing, handicrafts, leather, construction, tourism, and e‑commerce, all looking to secure new buyers, build business partnerships, and tap China’s increasing demand for imported goods.
ZimTrade said the exhibition is expected to support Zimbabwe’s broader efforts to diversify its export basket and strengthen its presence in China.
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.
China’s expanded zero‑tariff arrangements, effective from May 1, give Zimbabwean exporters a competitive edge by allowing a wider range of products into the Asian market.
Bilateral trade between Zimbabwe and China surged to US$5.01 billion in the first nine months of 2026, a 51.6% year‑on‑year increase, according to the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe.
While minerals and tobacco continue to dominate Zimbabwe’s exports to China, attention is shifting toward processed agricultural products, manufactured goods and other value‑added exports.
Horticulture has emerged as a sector with significant potential, with macadamia nuts, citrus, avocado and blueberries gaining 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.