Zimbabwe blueberries open the door to the Chinese market, soon to be zero-tariff access!
Published 2025년 9월 12일
Tridge summary
Recently, during a visit to China, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa signed a phytosanitary agreement for the export of blueberries to China. Recently, China announced that it will implement zero tariffs on 100% of tariff items for 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations, and Zimbabwean blueberries will also receive zero tariff treatment.
Zimbabwe began small-scale cultivation of blueberries in 2008, and in 2017, it achieved its first blueberry export. The blueberry harvest season lasts from April to October, with 60% of blueberries being harvested between August and October. Since 2018, the export volume of Zimbabwean blueberries has increased tenfold, with major markets including the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the Middle East.
In 2024, Zimbabwe's blueberry production was 0.8 million tons, with exports increasing from 3,616 tons to 4,096 tons, a growth of 13.3%. It is expected that this year, Zimbabwe's blueberry production will reach 1.2 million tons. If growers receive policy support to encourage investment, Zimbabwe could become Africa's largest blueberry exporter.
Linda Nielsen, the Executive Director of the Horticultural Development Corporation (HDC) of Zimbabwe, said that this is a milestone for the willing industry in Zimbabwe, and now the industry needs to cooperate and formulate policies to increase investment, improve production, and ensure that exported blueberries meet China's quality and phytosanitary standards.
The Infrastructure and Development Bank of Zimbabwe (IDBZ) is considering raising $50 million to support the horticultural industry, with a particular focus on smallholder farmers and small businesses. The covered industries include citrus fruits, blueberries, passion fruits, apples, coffee, avocados, bananas, and other fruits, with plans to increase blueberry cultivation from 600 hectares to 1,500 hectares.
Image source: New Zimbabwe 2025 International Fruit and Vegetable Report. All rights reserved. For reprints, please contact the International Fruit and Vegetable Report for permission and credit.
Zimbabwe began small-scale cultivation of blueberries in 2008, and in 2017, it achieved its first blueberry export. The blueberry harvest season lasts from April to October, with 60% of blueberries being harvested between August and October. Since 2018, the export volume of Zimbabwean blueberries has increased tenfold, with major markets including the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the Middle East.
In 2024, Zimbabwe's blueberry production was 0.8 million tons, with exports increasing from 3,616 tons to 4,096 tons, a growth of 13.3%. It is expected that this year, Zimbabwe's blueberry production will reach 1.2 million tons. If growers receive policy support to encourage investment, Zimbabwe could become Africa's largest blueberry exporter.
Linda Nielsen, the Executive Director of the Horticultural Development Corporation (HDC) of Zimbabwe, said that this is a milestone for the willing industry in Zimbabwe, and now the industry needs to cooperate and formulate policies to increase investment, improve production, and ensure that exported blueberries meet China's quality and phytosanitary standards.
The Infrastructure and Development Bank of Zimbabwe (IDBZ) is considering raising $50 million to support the horticultural industry, with a particular focus on smallholder farmers and small businesses. The covered industries include citrus fruits, blueberries, passion fruits, apples, coffee, avocados, bananas, and other fruits, with plans to increase blueberry cultivation from 600 hectares to 1,500 hectares.
Image source: New Zimbabwe 2025 International Fruit and Vegetable Report. All rights reserved. For reprints, please contact the International Fruit and Vegetable Report for permission and credit.
Original content
Recently, during a visit to China, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa signed a phytosanitary agreement for the export of blueberries to China. Recently, China announced that it will implement zero tariffs on 100% of tariff items for 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations, and Zimbabwean blueberries will also receive zero tariff treatment. Zimbabwe began small-scale cultivation of blueberries in 2008, and in 2017, it achieved its first blueberry export. The blueberry harvest season lasts from April to October, with 60% of blueberries being harvested between August and October. Since 2018, the export volume of Zimbabwean blueberries has increased tenfold, with major markets including the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the Middle East. In 2024, Zimbabwe's blueberry production was 0.8 million tons, with exports increasing from 3,616 tons to 4,096 tons, a growth of 13.3%. It is expected that this year, Zimbabwe's blueberry production will reach 1.2 ...
Source: Guojiguoshu
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