Zimbabwe has commenced its first-ever blueberry exports to China, following a phytosanitary standards protocol agreed upon last September, according to the Horticultural Development Council (HDC) on Tuesday.
The breakthrough comes as Zimbabwe leverages Beijing’s zero-tariff policy for 53 African nations, which took effect on May 1, 2026, giving local farmers duty-free access to the world’s fastest-growing fruit market.
“This initial shipment marks a historic milestone for our agricultural sector,” an HDC official stated, noting that the trade opening will diversify export destinations away from traditional European and British markets.
Zimbabwe is Africa’s third-largest blueberry producer, trailing only Morocco and South Africa. Local growers have rapidly expanded cultivation to meet international demand, positioning the country as a major southern hemisphere supplier.
National blueberry production is projected to reach 12,000 metric tons from 850 hectares by the end of 2026, a significant increase from the 9,500 tons harvested across 650 hectares last year.
To secure access, Zimbabwean producers must satisfy strict General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) rules, including rigorous monitoring for Mediterranean fruit flies and specific white wax scale pests.
Exporters must also comply with mandatory cold chain protocols, requiring fruit pulp core temperatures to remain at or below 1.11°C for 15 consecutive days before delivery to kill potential larvae.
Alternatively, air freight consignments require authorized methyl bromide fumigation prior to departure, forcing local logistics firms to upgrade their handling facilities to ensure seamless compliance with Beijing’s biosecurity mandates.
The HDC indicated that immediate industry focus shifts to testing these complex supply routes and securing long-term capital to scale domestic cultivation to a targeted 1,500 hectares by 2028.
