In brief
Zimbabwe’s ZimTrade is sending a delegation of 17 companies to the ninth edition of the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai from Nov. 5‑10 to showcase horticulture, manufacturing and creative goods. The move follows China’s May 1 zero‑tariff expansion, aimed at bolstering Zimbabwe’s export diversification. Bilateral trade rose 51.6 % in the first nine months of 2026, reaching US $5.01 billion, with the partnership expected to reduce reliance on minerals and tobacco.
On Sunday, ZimTrade announced that 17 Zimbabwean companies will travel to Shanghai to display horticulture, manufacturing, leather, construction, tourism and e‑commerce products at the China International Import Expo, scheduled to run from Nov. 5–10. The delegation aims to secure new buyers, nurture business partnerships and capture opportunities stemming from China’s broadened zero‑tariff arrangements that took effect on May 1.
"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 said in a newsletter circulated in October 2026. The statement highlighted the 51.6 % year‑on‑year increase in trade volume between Zimbabwe and China, reaching US $5.01 billion in the first nine months of 2026, according to the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe, whose exports to China have traditionally centred on minerals and tobacco, is now redirecting focus toward processed agricultural products, finished leather, and arts and crafts. The enlarged zero‑tariff framework is designed to improve the competitiveness of Zimbabwean goods in the Asian market by eliminating local duties starting May 1.
Within the horticulture segment, macadamia nuts, citrus, avocado and blueberries have secured access pathways to China. "The successful entry of Zimbabwean blueberries into the Chinese market this year has demonstrated the commercial opportunities that can emerge when improved market access is complemented by export readiness and targeted market development," ZimTrade added, noting the first shipment as a milestone in diversifying agricultural exports.
The group will also showcase leather products, whose finished goods now have enhanced tariff treatment under the new policy. Manufacturing efforts are aimed at demonstrating value‐added goods and engineering solutions that align closely with China’s demand for diversified imports.
Tourism‑related firms are expected to present innovative online booking platforms and digital experiences tailored to Chinese travellers, reflecting a shift toward e‑commerce integration across sectors. Meanwhile, construction companies plan to present modular housing and infrastructure solutions, placing them in a sector with growing interest from Chinese developers.
Handicrafts and creative products, a newer addition to Zimbabwe’s export portfolio, will compete in a market where Chinese consumers increasingly appreciate unique cultural items. The delegation’s presence underscores the country’s intention to broaden the scope of its trade ties beyond traditional commodities.
While the delegation’s itinerary focuses on product showcases, it also includes meetings with potential trade partners, a comprehensive effort to translate the lower tariff environment into tangible contracts and joint ventures. The participation of 17 companies reflects the growing confidence that Zimbabwean businesses possess the export readiness required to engage in a highly competitive global arena.
In a related note, a separate presentation by ZimTrade highlighted the legislative backing that underpins these initiatives. The Zimbabwean government’s trade expansion strategy, supported by the new tariff schedule, aims at increasing the share of processed goods in the country’s export ledger.
For Zimbabwe, the CIIE offers an arena to reaffirm its commercial strengths and find avenues for broader market integration. The open‑market approach taken by China, coupled with Zimbabwe’s proactive outreach, hints at a new era of trade relations that may reduce dependency on any single commodity and foster a more resilient export economy for the African nation.
As the expo approaches, Zimbabwean exporters will seek to leverage the platform not only to secure immediate sales but also to establish long‑term relationships that could position the country as a reliable supplier of diversified goods across multiple sectors.