HARARE – Zimbabwean exporters can now access the Chinese market duty-free under a new preferential trade arrangement that Government says will boost exports and attract investment.

Cabinet received a report on China's unilateral Zero-Tariff Preferential Market Access initiative, which came into effect on 1 May 2026 following commitments made during the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

The arrangement allows qualifying Zimbabwean products to enter the Chinese market duty-free under 8,949 tariff lines for a two-year period ending on 30 April 2028.

Cabinet said Zimbabwe has completed all administrative requirements to participate in the initiative. ZimTrade has been designated to issue Certificates of Origin, while the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) will verify compliance with rules of origin.

Government has also begun preparations for negotiations aimed at securing a longer-term trade agreement before the current arrangement expires.

According to Cabinet, a permanent agreement would provide certainty for exporters and investors, expand market access for agricultural and value-added products, and strengthen Zimbabwe's position in one of the world's largest markets.