Zimbabwe will begin exporting blueberries to China after signing a phytosanitary protocol that clears the way for shipments, Reuters reported. The agreement was finalized during President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s visit to Beijing, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The Horticultural Development Council (HDC) described the deal as a milestone for growers, noting that compliance with sanitary standards will be crucial for maintaining access to the Chinese market. Officials added that while the agreement creates vast opportunities, producers will also need to manage the higher costs linked to meeting export requirements, the council emphasized in its statement.
Production in Zimbabwe’s blueberry sector is expanding rapidly, with volumes expected to grow from 8,000 tonnes in 2024 to 12,000 tonnes in 2025, helped by favorable climatic conditions and global demand for health-focused foods, figures shared by Reuters indicated.
Despite the export breakthrough, farmers face domestic challenges such as high interest rates, limited access to long-term credit, and policies requiring partial conversion of export earnings into local currency. The HDC has urged government to offer relief on taxes, duties, and land levies to sustain industry growth, stakeholders highlighted in their engagement with policymakers.
