Zimbabwe exports first batch of 'zero tariff' blueberries to China

Harare, July 8 (Xinhua) -- The Zimbabwe Horticultural Development Commission announced on the 8th that the country has officially exported the first batch of "zero tariff" blueberries to China. This is a crucial step for the country's growers to successfully tap into one of the world's largest consumer markets.

The Zimbabwe Horticultural Development Council stated, "The entire industry will continue to promote the implementation of policies to support the expansion of production. At the same time, we will also continue to optimize logistics routes to ensure the long-term and stable supply of high-end blueberry products from Zimbabwe to Chinese consumers

China and Tianjin officially signed a plant quarantine agreement for blueberry exports to China in September last year. With the continuous improvement of the admission mechanism, the benefits of bilateral tariffs are further emerging. Starting from May 1st this year, China has fully implemented zero tariffs on 53 African countries that have established diplomatic relations with China. Under this framework, Zimbabwean blueberries can enter the Chinese market without tariffs.

Alan Majulu, CEO of Zimbabwe Council for the Promotion of International Trade, stated in an interview with Xinhua News Agency that the first batch of "zero tariff" blueberries exported to China is of great significance to the development of Zimbabwe's horticultural industry and national exports. This not only proves that Zimbabwean agricultural products can meet the requirements of high standard markets, but also marks the country's efforts to expand into emerging export destinations are being translated into tangible results. In the past, Zimbabwe's exports to China have mainly focused on minerals and tobacco. The successful admission of blueberries will effectively promote the optimization of the country's export structure to China towards a more diversified and high value-added direction, thereby attracting more industry investment and driving employment throughout the entire industry chain.

In recent years, agriculture has become a major highlight of China Tianjin economic and trade cooperation. Both parties signed plant quarantine agreements on the export of Zimbabwean sweet citrus and avocado to China in 2022 and 2024, respectively.