ZIMBABWE-China trade volumes surged to a record US$4,39 billion last year buoyed by the Government’s robust policies, particularly in the tobacco sector.
The growth of economic ties between Harare and Beijing also shows that various investment policies unveiled by the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa are bearing fruit.
According to information released by the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe, trade between the two countries registered an annual growth of 14,7 percent.
“Trade between the two countries grew by 14,7 percent year-on-year, with China importing $2,56 billion worth of goods from Zimbabwe, while exports to Zimbabwe rose to US$1, 84 billion, leaving Zimbabwe with a US$720 million trade surplus with China,” read a statement from the Embassy.
On the apex of the trade between the two countries is tobacco which remains China’s largest import from Zimbabwe, reaching a record US$790 million and accounting for 31 percent of China’s total imports from the southern African country.
Zimbabwe’s tobacco production has been one of the cornerstones of the country’s economy with record-breaking output exceeding 300 million kg in 2025, driven largely by contract farming supporting over 140 000 farmers.
Tobacco production in the country has made Harare, Africa’s largest producer and a major global supplier, primarily exporting raw leaf to China and other markets for earning foreign currency.
The crop has contributed to the country’s Gross Domestic Product accounting for about 10 percent.
The embassy said China also imported 5 250 tonnes of macadamia nuts from Zimbabwe, valued at US$11,62 million, reflecting growing demand for high-value agricultural products.
Zimbabwe is a growing global player in macadamia nut production, with over 10 000 hectares cultivated primarily in Chipinge and Chimanimani, Manicaland province generating export revenue.
The sector is driven by high international demand, particularly from China, with major production from both large-scale commercial estates and rising interest from smallholder farmers.
Meanwhile, export protocols for Zimbabwean avocados and blueberries to the Chinese market have been finalised, with commercial shipments expected to begin this year, according to the embassy, a move expected to further diversify Zimbabwe’s agricultural exports and deepen bilateral trade co-operation.
China and Zimbabwe enjoy a “Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership,” with Beijing heavily investing in Zimbabwe’s infrastructure, particularly in energy, aviation and telecommunications.
Another major investment is the Dinson Iron and Steel Company project that has already transformed the iron and steel industry.
DISCO is on track to reclaim its position as an iron and steel-making giant after the Chinese firm expanded its range of products by manufacturing hot wire rods and mill steel balls, which are critical for the manufacturing and mining sectors.
With Zimbabwe saving US$500 000 annually on the steel import bill since the company became operational, there is hope that the country’s industrialisation revolution is well on course.
China and Zimbabwe continue to enjoy bilateral relations dating back to the liberation struggle which saw Harare attaining independence in 1980. – Herald
