Uganda has made its first export of dried chilli peppers to China, marking a new step in agricultural trade between the East African country and the world’s second-largest economy.
A shipment of 11 tonnes of dried chilli peppers recently cleared customs at Shanghai’s Waigaoqiao port, according to Chinese customs authorities. The delivery follows Uganda’s successful completion of market access procedures required for the export of the product to China.
Officials said the consignment arrived by sea and underwent inspection upon entry. Samples collected by customs authorities confirmed the peppers were free from pests, mould and other impurities, allowing them to enter the Chinese market.
The shipment represents a breakthrough for Uganda’s agricultural exporters, as China maintains strict phytosanitary and quality standards for imported food products. Approval to export dried chilli peppers reflects progress in regulatory cooperation between the two countries and opens the door for further shipments.
Expanding agricultural trade ties
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Uganda is a major agricultural producer, with the sector employing a large share of the population and contributing significantly to export earnings. Chilli peppers are among several high-value crops that the government has been promoting for export diversification, alongside coffee, cocoa, sesame and fresh produce.
China has emerged as an increasingly important destination for African agricultural products as Beijing seeks to diversify food imports and strengthen trade links with developing economies. For African exporters, access to the Chinese market offers opportunities to reach a vast consumer base and secure higher-value outlets for processed and semi-processed goods.
Shanghai Customs said imports of agricultural products from Africa through Shanghai ports have grown steadily in recent years. In 2025, African agricultural imports handled by Shanghai ports were valued at 10.03 billion yuan, or about $1.43 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of more than 25 percent.
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Between 2021 and 2025, cumulative imports of African agricultural products through Shanghai ports reached 39.21 billion yuan, with an average annual growth rate of nearly 11 percent, according to official figures.
China–Africa trade context
China is Africa’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade covering commodities, manufactured goods and increasingly agricultural products. While Africa continues to export large volumes of raw materials to China, Beijing has signalled an intention to import more value-added and processed agricultural goods from the continent.
Ugandan officials have previously identified China as a priority market for agricultural exports, citing its growing middle class and rising demand for diverse food products. Dried chilli peppers are used widely in Chinese cuisine and food processing, making the market particularly attractive for producers.
Analysts say gaining access to China’s tightly regulated food import system can also enhance the reputation of exporters, potentially making it easier to enter other international markets with similar standards.
Quality and compliance key to growth
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Chinese customs authorities emphasised that the Ugandan shipment met inspection requirements, including checks for pests, mould and contamination. Compliance with such standards is considered critical for sustaining access to the Chinese market and scaling up future exports.
Trade experts note that maintaining consistent quality, traceability and supply volumes will be essential if Uganda is to turn the initial shipment into a regular export flow. Investments in processing, storage and logistics are also likely to be required to meet demand and reduce post-harvest losses.
For Uganda, expanding agricultural exports is part of a broader strategy to boost foreign exchange earnings, support rural incomes and reduce dependence on a narrow range of commodities. The government has been encouraging farmers and agribusinesses to move up the value chain by exporting processed products rather than raw crops.
Outlook
The first shipment of dried chilli peppers is expected to serve as a test case for future agricultural exports from Uganda to China. If successful, it could pave the way for additional products to gain market access and help strengthen trade ties between the two countries.
With China’s imports of African agricultural goods continuing to rise, Ugandan exporters are hopeful that chilli peppers could become a niche but growing contributor to bilateral trade, adding momentum to efforts to diversify the country’s export base and deepen its integration into global markets.
