Online Reporter
Prosper Ndlovu, [email protected]
ZIMBABWE and China recorded a historic US$4,4 billion in bilateral trade in 2025, reflecting the deepening economic partnership between the two countries amid growing export diversification, expanding investment flows and increasing industrial cooperation.
The milestone comes as Zimbabwe stands to unlock even greater trade opportunities under China’s new zero-tariff regime, which took effect on May 1 and grants duty-free access to Zimbabwean products entering the vast Chinese market, enhancing their competitiveness and creating fresh prospects for value addition and industrialisation.
Speaking at the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) Annual Congress in Victoria Falls on Thursday, Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Zhou Ding, said economic and trade relations remain a cornerstone of the long-standing all-weather friendship between the two countries.
Citing Chinese customs statistics, he said bilateral trade reached US$4,4 billion in 2025, representing a 15,2 percent increase from the previous year, being the highest level ever recorded between the two nations.
Zimbabwe’s exports to China amounted to US$2,57 billion while imports stood at US$1,83 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of US$740 million in favour of Zimbabwe.
Amb Ding said the strong trade performance was being supported by a broadening export basket as Zimbabwe increasingly moves beyond its traditional reliance on minerals and tobacco.
“What is particularly encouraging is the growing diversification of our trade relationship. While traditional exports such as minerals and tobacco remain significant, new growth areas are emerging,” he said.
Agricultural and horticultural products such as macadamia nuts, citrus fruits, avocados and blueberries are gaining entry into the Chinese market, while imports of advanced machinery, solar equipment and electronics are helping modernise Zimbabwe’s productive sectors, lower business costs and improve livelihoods.
Beyond trade, Amb Ding said China remains Zimbabwe’s largest source of foreign direct investment, with cumulative investment inflows estimated at approximately US$10 billion across strategic sectors including steel, cement, fertiliser production, building materials, mineral processing, power generation and digital infrastructure.
He noted these investments were transforming Zimbabwe’s economic landscape by building industrial supply chains, strengthening local manufacturing capacity and generating employment and tax revenues.
Amb Ding described China’s zero-tariff policy as one of the most comprehensive market-opening measures extended to Africa and a major opportunity for Zimbabwean businesses seeking greater access to international markets.
“This year marks an important milestone in China-Zimbabwe trade relations. Effective 1 May 2026, China has granted zero-tariff treatment to 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations, including Zimbabwe,” he said.
He said the policy would stimulate export diversification, encourage investment in value addition and help accelerate Zimbabwe’s transition from a raw material exporter to a supplier of higher-value products.
“Above all, this policy links China’s vast market with Zimbabwe’s rich development potential, creating a partnership that advances Zimbabwe’s industrialisation and modernisation while contributing to our shared prosperity,” said Mr Zhou.
To maximise benefits from the policy, he called for stronger trade facilitation measures, improved market access support, increased investment in productive sectors and accelerated industrialisation through integrated industrial parks aligned with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
Amb Ding also underscored the importance of enhanced infrastructure development to support value addition and export growth, noting China’s continued support through concessional financing and private sector investment.
Chinese-backed projects have included the expansion of Hwange and Kariba South power stations, the upgrading of Harare and Victoria Falls airports, and the modernisation of telecommunications infrastructure through TelOne and NetOne.
The Ambassador added that Chinese investors are developing captive power plants with a combined generation capacity exceeding 1 000 megawatts, while further cooperation is expected in transport, logistics and industrial infrastructure.
“As Zimbabwe’s strategic partner and all-weather friend, China is committed to standing firm with Zimbabwe and making continuous contributions,” said Mr Zhou.
He said China would continue encouraging its enterprises to invest in Zimbabwe under win-win principles, expressing confidence that growing economic cooperation would deliver greater benefits to Zimbabwe and its people.
