Zimbabwe exports blueberries to China for first time

Zimbabwe has begun exporting blueberries to China – the first consignment of these berries has already been shipped to the Chinese market. This was reported by The Herald, a partner of TV BRICS, citing horticultural producers in Zimbabwe.

The shipments have been made possible by an agreement to open the Chinese market to Zimbabwean blueberries, reached in 2025 following several years of negotiations and verification of product safety requirements.

The new export protocol sets out the rules for shipments: farmers and exporters must comply with strict requirements regarding pest control, plantation registration, product traceability, inspections and certification.

According to producers, the new requirements pose a significant challenge for the sector but at the same time help to improve production quality and enhance the competitiveness of Zimbabwean produce in other international markets.

The country’s blueberry sector is developing rapidly. In 2025, the area under blueberry cultivation in Zimbabwe stood at around 650 hectares, whilst export volumes reached approximately 9,500 tonnes, worth US$51.75 million.

According to industry analysts, entering the Chinese market will enable producers to expand their customer base and reduce their dependence on traditional export destinations. These new supplies will boost farmers’ incomes and help attract more foreign exchange earnings into the country.

On 1 May 2026, China introduced a zero-tariff regime for 53 African countries with which it has established diplomatic relations.