Interview: China's zero tariff policy expands market for Zimbabwe's exotic leather products

BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwean exotic leather producers are eyeing a significant expansion into China's high-end market, bolstered by China's zero-tariff treatment for products from 53 African countries with diplomatic ties set to take effect on May 1.

Ivy Mushunje, co-director of Front Page Leather Products, told Xinhua on the sidelines of the ongoing Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Bulawayo, the country's second-largest city, that the policy incentive will enhance the competitiveness of Zimbabwean craftsmanship.

"We really appreciate the zero-tariff policy because it will expand our footprint in the Chinese market," Mushunje said.

Front Page, a manufacturer specializing in legally-sourced elephant, crocodile, and buffalo skin products, is among the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) exhibiting at ZITF under the support of Zimbabwe's Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development.

It has been building its presence in China since participating in the inaugural China International Import Expo (CIIE) in 2018. Mushunje noted that the company has maintained consistent engagement with Chinese buyers ever since, experiencing steady growth within the market.

The implementation of the zero-tariff policy is expected to trigger a surge in demand, prompting local manufacturers to scale up operations. "More customers mean more production. And more demand means we have to ramp up the supply. So we really hope to ramp up the production," Mushunje said.

Mushunje highlighted that limited access to capital and modern machinery remains a hurdle for SMEs. "The challenge is that we do not have capital or machinery, but we hope, since we are going to grow in the Chinese market, we are going to receive more investment," she said.

Zimbabwe's exotic leather sector is globally recognized and operates under strict regulations, complying with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) to ensure legal and sustainable trade.

With the enhanced market access provided by the new policy, Mushunje believes local businesses are poised for a major transition. "We do not wish to remain SMEs. We wish to become big companies with huge export potential," she said. Enditem