China and Zimbabwe have experienced a significant increase in trade, with the total trade volume reaching 2.43 billion U.S. dollars in the first nine months of this year. This represents a 39.4 percent growth compared to the same period last year. Surprisingly, this figure has already surpassed the total trade volume for 2022. The Chinese embassy in Zimbabwe announced these results on Tuesday.
In the first nine months of this year, Zimbabwe’s exports to China amounted to 1.36 billion dollars, while imports from China reached 1.07 billion dollars. As a result, Zimbabwe has achieved a trade surplus of 29 million dollars with China during this period.
Data from the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency reveals that China is now the third-largest export destination for Zimbabwe. South Africa holds the first position, while the United Arab Emirates takes second place in terms of exports. As for imports, China is ranked as the second largest source market after South Africa.
The growth in trade between China and Zimbabwe can be attributed to the mining and agricultural sectors. These sectors have been primary drivers of Zimbabwe’s exports to China in recent years.
Zimbabwe has recently expanded its agricultural exports to China by diversifying its products. This month marked the first time that Zimbabwe exported citrus fruits to China. Previously, the country’s agricultural exports to China had been dominated by tobacco leaf and processed tobacco.
