HARARE, July 8 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwe has exported its first-ever shipment of blueberries to China following the signing of a phytosanitary protocol between the two countries last year, the Horticultural Development Council (HDC) confirmed to Xinhua on Wednesday.
The HDC, an industry association representing horticultural exporters, said the development marks a major milestone for the country's horticulture industry, opening one of the world's largest consumer markets to Zimbabwean growers.
"As an industry, we will continue pushing for policies that support increased production, as we keep testing the best routes to ensure a reliable supply of premium Zimbabwean blueberries to Chinese consumers," said the HDC.
Zimbabwe and China signed the blueberry phytosanitary agreement in September last year, adding to previous protocols on sweet citrus and avocado exports signed in 2022 and 2024, respectively. The shipment also benefited from China's zero-tariff policy for 53 African countries, which was implemented on May 1 this year.
According to the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe's agricultural exports to China reached 804 million U.S. dollars in 2025, accounting for 31 percent of its total exports to China. ■