In brief
Zimbabwe’s export promotion agency ZimTrade announced that 17 companies will attend the CIIE in Shanghai from Nov. 5–10, showcasing horticulture, manufacturing, and creative goods. The move follows China’s expanded zero‑tariff arrangements to boost Zimbabwean competitiveness and comes amid a 51.6 % rise in bilateral trade last year.
Zimbabwe is sending 17 companies to Shanghai’s China International Import Expo (CIIE) Nov. 5‑10 to show off horticulture, manufacturing and creative products, ZimTrade said on Oct. 31.
The delegation is led by ZimTrade, the national trade development and export promotion organisation, and will pursue new buyers, business partnerships and opportunities from China’s growing demand for imported goods.
China’s expanded zero‑tariff arrangements, which began on May 1, give Zimbabwean exporters the chance to launch a wider range of products into the Asian market at lower costs and with enhanced competitiveness.
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.
—ZimTrade spokesperson
Zimbabwe’s trade with China jumped to $5.01 billion in the first nine months of 2026, a 51.6 % rise year‑on‑year, the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe reported. China remains one of Zimbabwe’s top three export destinations.
While minerals and tobacco are still the main exports, attention is shifting toward processed agricultural products, finished leather, and arts and crafts, where the zero‑tariff arrangements can give Zimbabwean goods a clear price edge.
Horticulture is highlighted as a high‑potential sector, with macadamia nuts, citrus, avocado and blueberries having already secured market access pathways to China. Zimbabwe’s first shipment of blueberries into China this year proved the commercial opportunities that can arise when market access is paired with export readiness and targeted market development.
By participating in the CIIE, Zimbabwe aims to diversify its export basket, strengthen its presence in China and turn growing economic ties into tangible, sustainable opportunities for its local businesses.