Zim imports exceed exports

at US$900 million.
Imports were 41 percent higher from US$1,31 billion in the same quarter last year while exports rose by 14,2 percent from US$788 million,
Mining sector accounted for 73,3 percent of exports, followed by tobacco at 10,8 percent, agriculture at 6,1 percent and horticulture at 0,32 percent.
The retail and distribution sectors constituted the largest proportion of imports due to low productivity in agriculture and manufacturing.
Zimbabwe imports most of its foodstuffs as local producers are not producing enough for the local market.
According to Finance Ministry, capacity utilisation averaged 60 percent in three months to March.
South Africa remains the major source of imports, accounting for 43 percent of total imports. The UK and China are also major source of imports.