Zambia's exports to China hit US$1.665 billion as cocoons and soybeans ship and a cholera vaccine plant nears construction

Zambia's exports to China reached US$1.665 billion in May and June 2026, an increase of nearly 40 percent on the same period last year, according to Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Han Jing. Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka on China-Zambia practical cooperation, Ms Han credited China's comprehensive zero-tariff measures, which let Zambian goods enter the Chinese market without import duty. Copper has long dominated what Zambia sells to China, but the ambassador pointed to new products as well. The two countries recently sent the first shipments of Zambian heat-processed cocoons and soybeans to China, and Ms Han said export protocols for avocados and citrus fruits are being finalised. These protocols are the technical agreements on plant health and inspection that a country must sign before fresh produce is allowed through its borders. The ambassador also spoke about a vaccine factory. Construction is expected to begin soon on ZAMVAX, a joint venture between Zambia and China which, once finished, should produce 20 million doses of cholera vaccine a year. She said the plant would strengthen the ability of Zambia and other Southern African countries to respond to public health emergencies. Zambia has had repeated cholera outbreaks, and countries in the region have often had to wait for vaccine supplies from abroad. Ms Han said China remains committed to the Global Development Initiative and to South-South cooperation, and described how the initiative can support the priorities of the Grow Zambia Agenda. She said China wants to deepen cooperation in copper and cobalt mining, and encouraged Chinese investment in agro-processing and food manufacturing in Zambia's multi-facility economic zones, which are industrial areas set up by government to attract factories. Chinese investment, she said, also supports agriculture, manufacturing and infrastructure. Diplomatic ties between the two countries began in October 1964, days after Zambia's independence. In her words: "Ou