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Zimbabwe-China trade breaches US$4bn mark in year 2025
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Trade between Zimbabwe and China reached a record high of US$4.39 billion in 2025, with China importing tobacco worth US$720 million from the southern African nation, official figures have shown. The milestone further cements China's position as one of Zimbabwe's largest trading partners, underpinned by strong bilateral relations.
Data posted by the Chinese Embassy on its X handle highlighted that Zimbabwe, a key global tobacco producer, enjoyed a trade surplus of US$720 million with China last year. "China-Zimbabwe trade reached a new height in 2025. Bilateral trade reached US$4.39 billion, a record high, up 14.7% year-on-year. Zimbabwe recorded a trade surplus of US$720 million with China," the embassy said.
Zimbabwe produced 352 million kilogrammes of tobacco in 2025, generating about US$1.2 billion, the bulk of which was exported to China. Tobacco remained China's largest import from Zimbabwe, accounting for 31% of total Chinese imports from the country, valued at US$790 million.
In the other direction, China exported US$1.84 billion worth of goods to Zimbabwe, representing a 33.7% increase from 2024. Zimbabwe's horticultural exports to China, largely driven by macadamia nuts, are expected to expand further in 2026. Last year, China imported 5,250 tonnes of macadamia nuts from Zimbabwe, valued at US$11.62 million. Export protocols for Zimbabwean avocadoes and blueberries have been finalised, with shipments scheduled to begin this year.
The bilateral relationship between Harare and Beijing has strengthened steadily over the years. In 2018, ties were upgraded to a "comprehensive strategic partnership," and later elevated to an "all-weather community with a shared future." The latest developments aim to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, energy, and technology, reflecting the enduring strategic and economic linkages between the two nations.
Alongside China, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, and the European Union accounted for over 80% of Zimbabwe's export earnings in 2025, driven largely by gold, tobacco, and horticultural products.
Data posted by the Chinese Embassy on its X handle highlighted that Zimbabwe, a key global tobacco producer, enjoyed a trade surplus of US$720 million with China last year. "China-Zimbabwe trade reached a new height in 2025. Bilateral trade reached US$4.39 billion, a record high, up 14.7% year-on-year. Zimbabwe recorded a trade surplus of US$720 million with China," the embassy said.
Zimbabwe produced 352 million kilogrammes of tobacco in 2025, generating about US$1.2 billion, the bulk of which was exported to China. Tobacco remained China's largest import from Zimbabwe, accounting for 31% of total Chinese imports from the country, valued at US$790 million.
In the other direction, China exported US$1.84 billion worth of goods to Zimbabwe, representing a 33.7% increase from 2024. Zimbabwe's horticultural exports to China, largely driven by macadamia nuts, are expected to expand further in 2026. Last year, China imported 5,250 tonnes of macadamia nuts from Zimbabwe, valued at US$11.62 million. Export protocols for Zimbabwean avocadoes and blueberries have been finalised, with shipments scheduled to begin this year.
The bilateral relationship between Harare and Beijing has strengthened steadily over the years. In 2018, ties were upgraded to a "comprehensive strategic partnership," and later elevated to an "all-weather community with a shared future." The latest developments aim to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, energy, and technology, reflecting the enduring strategic and economic linkages between the two nations.
Alongside China, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, and the European Union accounted for over 80% of Zimbabwe's export earnings in 2025, driven largely by gold, tobacco, and horticultural products.
Source - The Independent
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