Tanzania’s production of avocados, also known as the “Green Gold” has been growing rapidly during the last decade, driven by growing demand and increasing investments in export-oriented production. Data from the Ministry of Agriculture, the country produced approximately 201,254 tons of avocados during the 2025/26 season, with exports reaching 37,871 tons.
The EU remains Tanzania’s most important avocados export destination with annual earnings being roughly USD 70M – 80M per year. China’s recent decision to eliminate tariffs on agricultural imports from African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations presents Tanzania with a rare opening to transform its avocado sector into a high-value export industry.
Although still emerging, China is becoming a strategic future destination for avocados also due a large urban middle class which translates into a rapidly growing avocado consumption.
To fully optimise this opportunity, Tanzania must move beyond production expansion and adopt a strategy focused on value addition, quality, logistics, branding and market integration into China’s rapidly growing avocado economy. Processed avocado products command higher prices, have longer shelf lived and are less vulnerable to transport disruptions. Avocados can be processed into avocado oil, frozen avocado pulp, dried avocado powder and cosmetic and personal care ingredients.
While Tanzania should continue exporting fresh avocados to China, simultaneous plans should be made to develop an avocado-processing industry focusing mainly on avocado oil, frozen pulp and cosmetic ingredients. This approach would maximise foreign exchange earnings and create more domestic value from the country’s expanding avocado sector. 1 ton of avocado oil is worth about $2,000 when exported fresh, but up to $30,000 when converted into avocado oil.
Hence, if Tanzania processed just 30% of its avocado production into oil for export, it could earn anything from $180M to $240M per year compared to $100M to $130M from exports of the same volume.
So China is not just a fresh fruit market. It is also a high-value processed avocado market, which aligns perfectly with what Tanzania may wish to offer. To realise this dream, three things have to be done. First it must develop cold-chain infrastructure and export logistics systems. Processed avocado products are highly perishable and delays in transport or poor storage facilities can significantly reduce export value. To take advantage of tariff-free access to China, Tanzania should install refrigerated storage facilities and cold chain trucks from farms in Njombe, Mbeya, Iringa, Arusha and Kilimanjaro to ports and airports.
Second, Tanzania must invest in branding, market access and intelligence in China. Competing in China requires more than supply; it requires visibility. Tanzania should promote “Tanzania Avocado Oil” as a premium brand associated with natural, organic and sustainably grown produce from Southern Highlands and Northern Tanzania.
Finally, Tanzania must strengthen compliance with Chinese and phytosanitary (SPS) standards. Without strict adherence to food safety regulations, tariff elimination alone will not guarantee market access. Investment in certification, laboratories will ensure Tanzanian processed avocado products meet international standards and avoid shipment rejections.
