Online Reporter
Kuda Bwititi
Zimpapers Politics Hub
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa’s move to suspend all tariffs on goods imported from the United States is a bold diplomatic masterpiece that aims to preserve economic ties with the world’s largest economy, analysts have said.
The move was in response to new tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump around the world, which included an 18 percent duty on Zimbabwean exports.
Announcing the new policy on his official X account on Saturday, President Mnangagwa emphasised Zimbabwe’s commitment to fostering “amicable relations with all nations and cultivating adversarial relationships with none.”
While acknowledging the economic logic behind reciprocal tariffs as tools for protecting domestic industries, the President said his administration will prioritise cooperation over confrontation.
“In the spirit of constructing a mutually beneficial and positive relationship with the United States of America under the leadership of President Trump, I will direct the Zimbabwean Government to implement a suspension of all tariffs levied on goods originating from the United States,” President Mnangagwa stated.
The President expressed optimism that his new policy will yield long-term benefits
“This measure is intended to facilitate the expansion of American imports within the Zimbabwean market while simultaneously promoting the growth of Zimbabwean exports destined for the United States. This action underscores our commitment to a framework of equitable trade and enhanced bilateral cooperation.”
Analysts lauded President Mnangagwa for what they described as a judicious move.
“The decision to suspend tariffs is strategic. The President has chosen to avoid a trade stand-off with the world’s largest economy,” said analyst Mr Naboth Dzivaguru, who is executive director of the Global Economics2020 Consultancy Group.
“It signals Zimbabwe’s preference for dialogue over retaliation and could help prevent the erosion of hard-won US market access for key exports.
“American companies should, therefore, seize the opportunity with both hands and seek business opportunities in Zimbabwe.
“I applaud the President for rising above ordinary or ancient trade practices to a more modern inclination that seeks mutual benefit,” Mr Dzivaguru said.
Economist and member of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Monetary Policy Committee, Mr Persistence Gwanyanya described the President’s move as “a clear show of maturity”.
“Zimbabwe responded to the imposition of tariffs on exports of goods and services to the US by the Trump administration in a non-retaliatory way.
“The country took the opportunity to review its taxes towards American imports in a manner that supports trade between the two nations.
“Key lessons that can be drawn from history are that retaliation has harmful consequences in global trade, growth and inflation.
“Leading global economies are advised to resolve their differences in international trade in an amicable way. This is especially important now that the world has not fully recovered from the previous crises, the latest one being Covid-19.”
After this decisive move, Mr Gwanyanya said financial authorities can take the opportunity to review the tax and duty regime with a view of optimising benefits from both domestic and international trade.
Political analyst Mr Methuseli Moyo said: “This is a huge gesture by President Mnangagwa towards the American people and the American government to foster friendship and economic cooperation with the US, which is a major player in global affairs.
“This gesture shows that Zimbabwe is a friend to all and we hope the US will reciprocate in good faith, both economically and politically.”
Last week, the US introduced a baseline 10 percent tariff on all imports starting Wednesday, with higher reciprocal tariffs—ranging up to 99 percent—imposed on nations with which it maintains significant trade deficits.
Zimbabwe was hit with an 18 percent tariff, primarily affecting its exports of tobacco, minerals, and textiles—products that made up the bulk of its US$67, 8 million in exports to the US in 2024.
By contrast, US exports to Zimbabwe totalled US$43, 8 million last year, resulting in a trade deficit of US$24, 1 —a significant 68, 1 percent drop from 2023.
The newly imposed US tariff threatens to widen the gap by reducing demand for Zimbabwean goods in American markets.
