Zimbabwe has completed its first commercial export of fresh blueberries to China, marking a significant development in the country’s horticultural export industry following the implementation of a bilateral phytosanitary agreement that allows Zimbabwean producers to access the Chinese market.
The inaugural shipment follows the signing of a phytosanitary protocol between Zimbabwe and China in September 2025, establishing the plant health requirements necessary for Zimbabwean blueberries to enter China. The agreement forms part of a broader programme of agricultural cooperation between the two countries, which has progressively expanded market access for Zimbabwean produce. Similar protocols governing exports of sweet citrus and avocados were concluded in 2022 and 2024 respectively.
The Horticultural Development Council described the first shipment as an important milestone for Zimbabwe’s horticultural industry, noting that access to one of the world’s largest consumer markets presents opportunities for producers seeking to diversify export destinations and increase foreign currency earnings.
In a statement, the council said it would continue engaging stakeholders to promote policies that support increased production while strengthening supply chains capable of delivering premium Zimbabwean blueberries to consumers in China. Industry representatives also indicated that attention would remain focused on identifying efficient logistics routes to ensure consistent deliveries throughout the export season.
The shipment also comes after China implemented a zero tariff policy for products originating from 53 African countries on 1 May 2026, a measure that is expected to enhance the competitiveness of qualifying African agricultural exports. Zimbabwean exporters are expected to benefit from the reduced trade barriers as producers seek to expand their presence in one of the world’s fastest growing consumer markets.
Agricultural trade has become an increasingly important component of economic relations between Zimbabwe and China. According to figures released by the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe’s agricultural exports to China reached approximately US$804 million in 2025, representing around 31 per cent of the country’s total exports to China.
The latest export reflects wider efforts across the African continent to increase participation in global agricultural value chains through improved compliance with international sanitary and phytosanitary standards. For Zimbabwe, expanding access for higher value horticultural products forms part of broader initiatives to diversify exports beyond traditional commodities while strengthening the resilience of the agricultural sector.
Across Africa, governments and agricultural producers continue to pursue new export markets as part of strategies aimed at increasing value addition, improving rural livelihoods and enhancing food and agricultural trade. Growing access to international markets for fresh produce has the potential to create employment across farming, processing, logistics and cold chain services, while supporting the development of competitive regional horticultural industries.
The first blueberry shipment to China therefore represents more than a single export consignment. It illustrates the importance of sustained regulatory cooperation, investment in agricultural quality standards and the gradual opening of new commercial opportunities that can strengthen economic ties between African producers and global markets.
