The policy, which will come into effect on May 1, was highlighted during the Zimbabwe-China Horticulture Buyers Engagement, where exporters and buyers discussed expanding market access for fresh produce.

The Zimbabwe Horticultural Development Council (HDC), which represents the country's horticultural exporters, said it is working to secure trade protocols with China for commodities with high export potential, and that the blueberries They are identified as a priority.

The southern African nation signed an agreement in September 2025 that allows, for the first time, exports of fresh blueberries to China. Industry stakeholders say the agreement could accelerate production and investment in the sector.

Data from ZimTrade, the country's trade development agency, suggests that China offers significant opportunities for Zimbabwean exporters, particularly as demand for premium fresh fruit continues to rise.

The HDC said it is supporting producers in meeting China's stringent phytosanitary requirements, including traceability systems and pest management standards. It also called on the government to expedite pending regulatory processes to ensure export protocols are fully operational.

“At the same time, we hope the government will expedite the remaining regulatory processes so that these protocols can be fully implemented,” the council said in a statement, adding that this would allow Zimbabwe to fully benefit from access to the Chinese market.

Farmers have welcomed the development and said the tariff exemption could provide a competitive advantage.

Willard Zireva, a blueberry grower from West Mashonaland province, said the policy could help expand Zimbabwe's presence in international markets.

“Zimbabwe needs to increase its area cultivated with blueberries to become a recognized producer,” he said, adding that greater government support would be key to increasing production.

Zimbabwe has been rapidly expanding its industry of blueberries in recent years, positioning it as a potential cornerstone of a horticultural sector valued at two billion dollars by 2030.

Analysts say that if production targets are met and export systems are streamlined, the zero-tariff policy could significantly increase Zimbabwe's agricultural exports to China while deepening economic ties between the two countries.

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