Zimbabwe starts blueberry exports to China
Analysis based on 16 articles · First reported Jul 07, 2026 · Last updated Jul 08, 2026
The opening of the Chinese market provides a significant growth avenue for Zimbabwe's blueberry industry, potentially boosting foreign exchange earnings and agricultural exports. However, scaling production and meeting compliance costs remain challenges.
Zimbabwe has shipped its first-ever commercial consignment of fresh blueberries to China, following a phytosanitary protocol signed in September 2025. The deal builds on a similar avocado protocol and coincides with China's zero-tariff policy for 53 African countries, effective May 1, 2026. Zimbabwe is Africa's third-largest blueberry producer, expecting to export 12,000 metric tons in 2026 from 850 hectares. The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (HDC) highlighted the need to scale production and optimize supply chains. Constraints include high interest rates and limited long-term financing, though a proposed $50 million facility from the Infrastructure Development Bank of Zimbabwe aims to support expansion. The new market diversifies Zimbabwe's export destinations, which already include the Netherlands, UK, Germany, Spain, South Africa, China — Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, and UAE.
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