Online Reporter
China’s zero-tariff policy for imports from 53 African countries, including Zimbabwe, which became effective on May 1, is set to unlock unprecedented export opportunities for local producers while deepening bilateral trade and industrial cooperation. Zimpapers reporter NORMAN MUCHEMWA last week interviewed Economic and Commercial Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy MR HUANG MINGHAI, who indicated that the policy will lower export costs, boost competitiveness and open up China’s vast market to Zimbabwean goods, particularly tobacco, as well as horticultural and value-added products.
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Q: China recently introduced a zero-tariff policy for imports from 53 African countries, including Zimbabwe. Could you begin by explaining the main objectives behind this policy and what it represents for China-Africa economic relations?
A: Starting from May 1, 2026, China has implemented zero-tariff treatment for products from 53 African countries it has diplomatic relations with. This policy was designed out of consideration for longstanding friendship and commitment to common development, rather than short-term commercial interests.
First, it demonstrates China’s sincere commitment to high-standard, voluntary and inclusive opening-up. With this policy, China thus becomes the world’s first major economy to implement comprehensive zero-tariff treatment for all African countries it has diplomatic ties with, embodying our consistent principles of sincerity, solidarity and mutual benefit. Second, it upholds the multilateral trading system and delivers targeted, tangible support to African countries against the backdrop of a volatile and uncertain global economy.
Third, it translates China’s development opportunities into Africa’s growth momentum, laying a solid foundation for deeper, more inclusive and sustainable China-Africa win-win cooperation.
Notably, China’s zero-tariff measure is an innovative, temporary two-year phased scheme rolled out during the negotiations of the China-Africa Economic Partnership Agreement for Shared Development (CADEPA).
It addresses the practical challenge of prolonged negotiation cycles, enabling African countries, including Zimbabwe, to access zero-tariff benefits at an early stage and better address current global economic turbulence.
Within this two-year window, China and Zimbabwe still need to continue early-harvest negotiations under CADEPA so that Zimbabwe can enjoy zero-tariff treatment in a long-term, stable and institutional manner consistent with WTO (World Trade Organisation) rules. We also will advance CADEPA negotiations of two modules, respectively on trade and supply chains.
Q: Zimbabwe has long viewed China as a strategic economic partner. What immediate opportunities does this policy create for Zimbabwean exporters, farmers and manufacturers seeking to enter or expand into the Chinese market?
A: Leveraging the zero-tariff policy, Zimbabwe’s traditional exports will see strong growth, as the measure cuts export costs and lifts the price competitiveness of local products.
Beyond trade expansion, the zero-tariff policy will generate economic benefits for Zimbabwe.
Rising exports will attract more foreign investment in local processing and manufacturing, create more jobs and increase foreign exchange earnings.
Q: Which Zimbabwean products or sectors do you believe are best positioned to benefit from the zero-tariff arrangement and why?
A: A wide range of Zimbabwean sectors and products are well-placed to benefit significantly from the zero-tariff policy, driven by stronger price competitiveness and China’s robust market demand.
High-quality Zimbabwean tobacco stands as a top beneficiary. Renowned globally for its premium quality, Zimbabwean tobacco has long maintained stable demand in the Chinese market. Premium horticultural products will hold enormous growth potential, including citrus fruits, avocados and macadamia nuts.
Previously, tobacco was subject to a 10 percent tariff, while avocados, citrus fruits and macadamia nuts all had tariffs exceeding 10 percent. Now, these products have enjoyed zero-tariff when exported to China.
Q: While the policy presents significant opportunities, many local businesses may not fully understand the requirements of exporting to China. What standards, quality measures or procedures must Zimbabwean producers meet to successfully access the Chinese market?
A: To export to China smoothly, Zimbabwean products must comply with China’s national standards, customs inspection and quarantine requirements, as well as rules of origin. That’s the same practice that Chinese products exported to Zimbabwe must also meet the local standards, such as the Consignment-Based Conformity Assessment (CBCA).
For agricultural and food products, low-risk items such as nuts, coffee, dry chilli, vegetable oil, leather and cotton can enjoy simplified access with no separate quarantine agreements if basic safety standards are met.
Medium- and high-risk food and agricultural products shall follow bilateral quarantine protocols and require exporter registration.
Since the implementation of the zero-tariff policy, Zimbabwean products need to provide certificates of origin to enjoy zero-tariff treatment, which can be applied for from Zimbabwean customs, the National Chamber of Commerce and other institutions.
Q: Zimbabwe continues to push for value addition and beneficiation under its industrialisation agenda. How can this new arrangement help move Zimbabwe from exporting raw materials to exporting more processed and finished products?
A: This zero-tariff policy strongly aligns with Zimbabwe’s national industrialisation agenda to advance value addition and beneficiation.
For a long time, Zimbabwe mainly exports raw mineral ores and primary commodities. Now, the tariff exemption makes it more attractive for foreign investors to set up local processing and manufacturing facilities here.
Lower tariffs on semi-processed and finished products will greatly incentivise Chinese companies to cooperate with Zimbabwean partners to develop downstream industrial lines and help Zimbabwe move up the global value chain, reduce reliance on raw material exports and build a stronger local processing industry step by step.
Q: Small to medium enterprises (SMES) and emerging entrepreneurs often struggle to access international markets. Are there mechanisms being put in place to ensure SMEs, youth-led businesses and rural producers can also benefit from this initiative?
A: We fully recognise that SMEs, youth entrepreneurs and rural producers are vital to Zimbabwe’s economic vitality, and relevant supporting mechanisms are in place to ensure they share the benefits.
First, the simplified quarantine procedures and Green Channel 2.0 greatly cut administrative burdens and operational costs, which is particularly friendly to small businesses with limited resources. Second, the unified access rules for low-risk products lower the threshold for rural producers who mainly supply primary and lightly processed goods.
In addition, China will continue to carry out technical training and capacity-building programmes.
We will help small producers understand international quality standards and export rules.
We also leverage platforms like cross-border e-commerce, the China International Import Expo and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation events to help small and rural producers showcase and sell their products in China, connecting them directly to Chinese buyers.
Q: Trade between African countries and major global economies is sometimes criticised for being imbalanced. How does China intend to ensure that this policy promotes mutually beneficial and sustainable trade growth with countries such as Zimbabwe?
A: China has always pursued balanced, win-win and sustainable trade cooperation with African countries, including Zimbabwe. According to China Customs, bilateral trade between China and Zimbabwe reached approximately US$4,4 billion in 2025, up 15,2 percent year-on-year and reaching a record high, and Zimbabwe enjoyed a trade surplus of roughly US$740 million.
First of all, this zero-tariff policy is designed to optimise the trade structure.
It not only expands the export volume of Zimbabwe’s traditional products, but also fosters new export categories, which helps diversify bilateral trade and avoid over-reliance on a narrow range of commodities.
Second, we do not demand reciprocal tariff cuts. This unilateral opening fully respects Zimbabwe’s economic situation and policy independence.
Third, by linking trade with industrial investment and technology transfer, we help Zimbabwe build stronger industrial foundations and make bilateral trade more balanced and sustainable in the long run.
Q: Beyond trade, China and Zimbabwe cooperate in infrastructure development, mining, agriculture, energy and technology. How does the zero-tariff initiative complement the broader framework of bilateral cooperation between the two countries?
A: Trade acts as a bridge and catalyst for all-round cooperation. Expanded trade ties will further deepen mutual trust, attract more foreign investment into Zimbabwe’s key sectors. For the mining sector, closer mineral trade will advance joint development and local processing projects.
For agriculture, booming agricultural product trade will push forward agricultural technology exchanges, demonstration farms and joint planting projects.
Infrastructure, energy and technological cooperation in turn provide solid support for trade growth: Improved roads, logistics and power supply will cut export costs and raise operational efficiency. All in all, trade, investment, industrial and infrastructure cooperation reinforce one another, forming an integrated, dynamic cooperation ecosystem between our two countries.
Q: What role can institutions such as trade promotion agencies, chambers of commerce and financial institutions play in helping Zimbabwean businesses fully utilise this opportunity?
A: These local institutions play an irreplaceable role in helping Zimbabwean businesses seize this opportunity. Trade promotion agencies such as ZimTrade can organise training sessions, share updated information on China’s market rules, quality standards and quarantine procedures, and organise trade fairs and buyer matchmaking events.
Chambers of commerce can act as a communication bridge between local enterprises and Chinese counterparts, pool resources from the industry, coordinate collective export efforts and voice enterprises’ concerns and demands.
Financial institutions can launch tailored trade financing, export credit and insurance services, easing capital pressure for producers, especially SMEs, during production, logistics and cross-border settlement. Joint efforts from all sides will help local businesses explore the Chinese market more steadily and efficiently.
Q: Finally, what message would you like to share with Zimbabwean businesses, farmers, manufacturers and investors regarding preparations they should begin making now to take full advantage of the Chinese market under this zero-tariff policy?
A: To fully capture this policy dividend, I have four key suggestions for Zimbabwean farmers, manufacturers and exporters.
First, accelerate standard adaptation. Zimbabwean companies should proactively study China’s food safety, quarantine and product quality standards, complete registration and document preparation in advance to meet market entry requirements.
Second, diversify export portfolios. Actively research the demands of the Chinese market, expand exports of traditional products and explore new advantageous export products to diversify export portfolios.
Third, expand cooperation channels. Work closely with trade agencies and chambers of commerce and participate in China’s trade fairs and matchmaking events to establish stable partnerships with Chinese buyers.
Fourth, pursue long-term upgrading. Focus on technological improvement and quality upgrading to build sustainable competitiveness for long-term development in China’s huge consumer market.
In summary, China’s zero-tariff policy embodies the principles of sincerity, equality and mutual benefit.
It connects China’s huge market, capital and technology capability with Zimbabwe’s agricultural and mineral resources, strongly supporting Zimbabwe’s economic diversification and industrialisation.
The Chinese Embassy will continue to provide full support for Zimbabwe in exploring the Chinese market and attracting Chinese investments.
We stand ready to deepen practical cooperation, translate policy advantages into tangible development outcomes and deliver greater benefits to both peoples.
