Online Reporter
Trade Focus
Allan Majuru
Zimbabwe’s export performance in the first six months of 2025 reflects the country’s rising stature in global trade, driven by deliberate and intensified export development initiatives under the Second Republic.
According to recent figures from the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat), exports surged by 15,6 percent to US$3,86 billion between January and June 2025, up from US$3,34 billion in the same period in 2024.
The growth in value-added exports was another important feature of the first half of 2025.
Export earnings from processed goods increased by 18 percent, supported by strong performance in sectors such as manufactured tobacco, construction materials, packaging and cultural products. This growth also comes against a backdrop of targeted export promotion activities by the national trade development and promotion organisation, ZimTrade, which have improved linkages between local exporters and buyers in the region and beyond.
As exports expanded, the country’s trade deficit narrowed by 16 percent, declining from US$1,23 billion to US$1,03 billion. With an average monthly export value exceeding US$640 million, merchandise exports are forecast to reach US$8,29 billion by the end of this year, against a set target of US$8,1 billion.
Historically, the second half of the year delivers stronger export performance due to increased agricultural output, higher global mineral demand and the fulfilment of trade contracts concluded earlier in the year.
Government and institutional support
Zimbabwe’s export performance is the result of deliberate policies aimed at promoting international trade and increasing the competitiveness of local products.
The Government has continued to implement structural reforms focusing on industrial retooling, cost competitiveness and export market diversification.
These efforts are aimed at easing the cost of doing business, streamlining regulatory processes and positioning local products competitively in regional and international markets.
The economic diplomacy agenda, implemented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, has provided consistent support for improving the business environment and trade facilitation services.
At the same time, ZimTrade has increased its presence in high-potential markets through outward seller missions and participation in international trade exhibitions. These engagements allowed Zimbabwean businesses to showcase their products and secure new trade partnerships in markets such as Germany, Malawi, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique.
Big movers
The strong performer in the first half of 2025 was the building and construction sector, which posted a staggering 264 percent increase in exports, from US$12,9 million to US$46,9 million.
This growth was driven largely by semi-finished iron or non-alloy steel and forged iron or steel bars and rods.
It reflects growing demand for Zimbabwean construction materials in the region, buoyed by infrastructure projects and a reputation for quality.
The export of manufactured tobacco products increased by 30,6 percent to US$56,4 million, further advancing the Government’s agenda to shift the industry away from raw leaf exports and towards value-added processing.
The National Development Strategy 1 has prioritised such industrial upgrading to support higher export earnings and job creation.
In the hides and skins sector, exports grew by 51,8 percent to US$17,1 million. The growth was driven by higher international demand for processed hides.
This is attributed to improvements in animal health systems, better post-harvest handling and increased cold chain investments that have enhanced the competitiveness of livestock-derived products.
Other sectors, including arts and crafts and the clothing, textile and footwear industries, also recorded modest growth.
Arts and crafts exports rose by 24,9 percent, while clothing, textiles and footwear expanded by 6,7 percent.
These developments reflect growing international interest in Zimbabwean cultural products and the impact of targeted support for the country’s creative industries.
Minerals and alloys exports rose by 21,8 percent, from US$2,57 billion to US$3,13 billion.
Minerals and alloys remain the dominant force in Zimbabwe’s exports, strengthening their importance even more in 2025, as gold prices firm up.
The exports are mainly being driven by strong commodity prices of gold, which have improved by 30 percent as compared to the previous year, resulting in gold exports increasing from US$899 million during the period under review in 2024 to US$1,82 billion during the same period in 2025.
Shakers
Processed food exports declined by 24 percent, mainly due to reduced volumes of sugar exports.
The composition of export markets continued to shift, with Zimbabwe increasing its exposure to new and emerging markets.
The United Arab Emirates emerged as the country’s top export destination during the review period, absorbing goods worth US$1,85 billion, primarily gold, representing 48 percent of total exports.
This indicates strengthened economic ties with the Gulf region.
Exports to the Netherlands grew by 47 percent, driven by increased demand for Zimbabwean horticultural and processed products, which shows broader acceptance of Zimbabwean goods in Europe.
In contrast, exports to South Africa declined by 11,8 percent, while exports to China fell by 14,7 percent.
These declines are likely the result of changing commodity flows and evolving logistics and trade dynamics, as well as increased competition in those markets.
The shifts underline the importance of Zimbabwe’s diversification strategy, which seeks to reduce dependence on a small group of trade partners and improve resilience against market volatility.
Allan Majuru is the chief executive officer of ZimTrade.
Online Reporter