Using the webapp (localhost/zabbix) to import the attached template XML file value-map-error-demo-template.xml creates the correct template, including Value Mappings. Exporting the file strips the valuemap fields out of the template (see attached exported file). Here's the relevant diff sections:

diff value-map-error-demo-template.xml value-map-error-demo-template-exported.xml
55,57c56
< <valuemap>
< <name>Alarm Status</name>
< </valuemap>
—
> <valuemap/>