Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe, Zimpapers Senior Writer
THE Competition and Tariff Commission (CTC) says Zimbabwe’s private sector, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), will play a critical role in determining the extent to which the country benefits from China’s zero-tariff initiative, which offers duty-free access to one of the world’s largest consumer markets.
China’s decision to grant zero-tariff treatment to imports from 53 African countries, including Zimbabwe, took effect on 1 May and is expected to remain in place for an initial two-year period under the China-Africa Economic Partnership for Shared Development.
The zero-tariff policy presents a rare opportunity for China and Africa to upgrade trade, remove barriers and foster more open markets.
It will also help Africa revitalise industrialisation, unlock agricultural potential, and modernise and standardise agricultural production and agri-processing.
With zero tariffs in place, Africa, Zimbabwe included, is poised to attract Chinese investment and expand production capacity in mining — a sector that has long been a global supplier of critical minerals such as copper, cobalt and lithium to drive the growth of local manufacturing industries.
In an analysis titled “Unlocking the Chinese Market: Opportunities for Zimbabwe under China’s Zero-Tariff Initiative,” the CTC said the arrangement presents a rare opportunity for Zimbabwe to accelerate industrialisation, diversify exports and increase participation in global value chains.
“The recent decision by the Government of China to grant zero-tariff treatment to imports from 53 African countries, effective 1 May 2026, marks a significant development in global trade and presents a strategic opportunity for Zimbabwe’s export sector,” said the commission.
“By allowing qualifying products to enter the Chinese market duty-free, the initiative opens access to one of the largest and most dynamic consumer markets in the world.”
The commission noted that the initiative aligns closely with Zimbabwe’s economic development agenda, which prioritises value addition, industrialisation, export diversification and private sector-led growth.
China is already one of Zimbabwe’s most important trading partners and export destinations.
According to the CTC, Zimbabwe exported goods worth US$1,29 billion to China in 2024, with exports largely consisting of tobacco, mineral ores, lithium-related products and selected agricultural commodities.
However, the commission said the country’s export basket remains heavily concentrated in primary commodities, noting the need for greater value addition.
“Despite this performance, Zimbabwe’s export basket remains heavily concentrated in primary commodities. The zero-tariff initiative therefore offers an opportunity not only to increase export volumes but also to diversify and upgrade the country’s export structure,” said the CTC.
With China’s population exceeding 1,4 billion people, the commission believes Zimbabwe can significantly expand exports of processed and value-added products.
“The zero-tariff arrangement creates significant prospects for Zimbabwe to transition from commodity exports toward higher-value products. Key areas of opportunity include agro-processing, leather products, steel products and value-added mineral exports.”
The commission said Zimbabwe could move beyond exporting raw hides to producing finished leather products such as footwear, while the textile industry could shift from raw cotton exports to garment manufacturing.
Similarly, developments in the lithium sector provide opportunities for local beneficiation and processing before export.
“This shift is critical in addressing long-standing structural challenges where the economy exports raw materials while importing finished goods. Greater value addition will enhance domestic industrial capacity, increase foreign currency earnings, and support employment creation,” said the commission.
However, the CTC warned that tariff-free access alone would not guarantee export success.
It said Zimbabwean exporters would still need to comply with Chinese requirements relating to product standards, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, certification, packaging and quality assurance.
“While the elimination of tariffs improves market access, it does not automatically guarantee export success. Non-tariff measures remain a key determinant of competitiveness in the Chinese market,” said the commission.
“Zimbabwean exporters must meet stringent requirements relating to product standards, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, certification, packaging and quality assurance.”
The commission said Chinese consumers and regulators place significant emphasis on quality, consistency and reliability of supply, investing in modern production systems and certification processes essential.
To maximise benefits from the initiative, the CTC called for coordinated action between Government, regulators and industry.
It stressed the need to strengthen testing and certification infrastructure, improve standards compliance and ensure adherence to rules of origin required by Chinese authorities.
“Failure to comply with rules of origin may undermine the practical utilisation of the zero-tariff arrangement,” the commission warned.
The CTC said the private sector would ultimately determine the extent to which Zimbabwe capitalises on the opportunity.
“Concurrently, the private sector will play a central role in determining the extent to which Zimbabwe benefits from this initiative. Firms must proactively identify export opportunities, adapt products to meet market requirements and establish relationships with buyers and distributors in China.
“Small and medium enterprises, in particular, require targeted support to overcome constraints related to financing, production scale and compliance with standards. Strengthening export readiness across firms is therefore essential.”
Economists say the initiative could help Zimbabwe broaden its export base, boost manufacturing activity and increase foreign currency earnings if local firms seize the opportunity to move up the value chain.
The CTC said that China’s zero-tariff initiative should be viewed as more than a trade concession, describing it as “a strategic platform for economic transformation” capable of driving export growth, industrialisation and long-term economic resilience.
The commission said realising these gains would depend on Zimbabwe’s ability to build competitive industries, meet international standards and support exporters in securing and sustaining access to the Chinese market.
