Online Reporter
Oliver Kazunga-Senior Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S trade surplus rose 34.1 percent to US$320.6 million in July, up from US$239.1 million in June, driven by increased exports and reduced imports.
Data from the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat) indicates that exports grew 1.9 percent to US$1.47 billion, while monthly imports declined 4.5 percent to US$1.15 billion.
The combined effect of increased exports and reduced imports resulted in the trade surplus widening by US$81,5 million in one month.
Mineral exports continued to underpin the country’s export performance, with semi-manufactured gold emerging as the country’s leading export product in July.
“Among the top 10 products exported in July 2026 were semi-manufactured gold, other mineral substances, nes and nickel mattes accounting for 34,1 percent, 21,7 percent, and 13,5 percent of the total value of US$1,47 billion, respectively,” said ZimStat.
The figures highlight the continued importance of mineral exports to the country’s foreign currency earnings, with semi-manufactured gold, other mineral substances and nickel mattes accounting for a significant proportion of total exports.
On the import side, mineral fuels, machinery and mechanical appliances, vehicles, as well as electrical machinery and equipment, were among the leading products imported during the month.
Exports remained heavily concentrated in three major markets, with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), China and South Africa accounting for about 90 percent of total exports.
The UAE was the largest export destination, receiving goods worth US$535,2 million, followed by China with US$466,8 million and South Africa with US$316,4 million.
“The country’s major export destinations in July 2026 were United Arab Emirates (US$535,2 million), China (US$466,8 million) and South Africa (US$316,4 million).”
South Africa remained Zimbabwe’s largest source of imports, supplying goods worth US$398,6 million, followed by China at US$221,1 million, Bahrain at US$76,2 million and Mozambique at US$51,2 million.
The four countries accounted for 65 percent of Zimbabwe’s total imports of US$1,15 billion.
Regional trade statistics also point to opportunities for Zimbabwean producers to expand their presence in African markets, particularly through existing regional and continental trade arrangements.
Exports to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) amounted to US$371 million, with nickel mattes accounting for 53,6 percent of the total.
Iron and steel products accounted for 7,5 percent, followed by nickel ores and concentrates at 5,9 percent and coke and semi-coke of coal at 5,5 percent.
Exports under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) were also dominated by nickel mattes, which accounted for 53,3 percent of total exports, followed by iron and steel products, nickel ores and concentrates, and coke and semi-coke of coal.
The four products collectively accounted for 72 percent of the US$373,2 million worth of exports under AfCFTA during the month.
Zimbabwe’s exports to the European Union were similarly concentrated in a few products, with tobacco accounting for 48 percent, ferro-chromium 34,4 percent, chromium ores and concentrates 15 percent and granite 1,5 percent.
The four products accounted for about 99 percent of the US$36 million worth of goods exported to the EU during July.
The trade figures come as the country continues to pursue increased exports, value addition and market diversification, with regional and continental trade arrangements providing opportunities for local producers to expand their markets.
On the import side, SADC remained a major source of goods, supplying US$542,9 million worth of products during July.
Machinery and mechanical appliances accounted for 12,9 percent of imports from the bloc, followed by mineral fuels and mineral oils at 10,8 percent, iron and steel and articles at 6,3 percent, and fertilisers at 5,9 percent.
Imports from AfCFTA countries totalled US$551,1 million, with machinery and mechanical appliances, mineral fuels and mineral oils, fertilisers, and electrical machinery and equipment among the leading products.
The July figures point to a strengthening external trade position, with the wider surplus reflecting both resilient exports and reduced import expenditure.
With monthly exports now approaching US$1,5 billion, the performance provides further impetus for efforts to boost production, accelerate value addition and diversify the country’s export markets in line with the country’s broader economic transformation agenda.
