Online Reporter
Business Reporter
ZIMBABWE has demonstrated strong potential for exporting products beyond its traditional mineral commodities, with the latest official data showing robust growth in the shipment of previously lesser-known goods.
This shows a promising diversification in the country’s export basket.
Traditionally dominated by minerals like gold and platinum, Zimbabwe’s export performance now shows a massive upside potential for products in sectors such as building and construction materials, hides and skins, packaging and stationery, arts and crafts, and livestock.
Some analysts say the robust performance is a clear sign that a more diverse range of Zimbabwean goods is having a foothold in global markets, with the rise of the non-traditional exports signalling a new era of growth and opportunity for the local economy.
The development is particularly important as it helps to insulate the nation in the event of falling global commodity prices.
According to export figures from the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency, building and construction materials were the biggest performers in terms of export growth between January and July 2025.
The increase was largely driven by semi-finished iron or non-alloy steel products, which contributed US$29 million, complemented by iron and steel bars and rods worth nearly US$10 million.
The performance of the building and construction materials sector, particularly with the recent commissioning of the Manhize Iron and Steel Plant, is evidence of the immense potential of Zimbabwe’s industrial base to diversify beyond traditional commodities.
It also reflects rising demand for construction materials across the region, where infrastructure development remains a priority.
Hides and skins saw a robust 47 percent increase in exports, surging from US$12 million to US$17,6 million.
The growth, primarily in raw materials, points to an untapped opportunity for the local leather industry.
By processing the hides into finished goods like footwear and furniture, Zimbabwe could significantly boost its export earnings and create jobs locally.
Similarly, the packaging and stationery sector showed an impressive 50 percent rise, with exports climbing to nearly US$11 million.
The surge reflects increasing regional demand for Zimbabwean-made packaging, which is becoming crucial for cross-border agro-processing and manufacturing.
The arts and crafts sector also posted strong results, with a 35 percent increase to US$8,1 million from US$6 million last year.
Underpinning the growth were the exports of zoological collections and sculptures, highlighting the global appeal of Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage.
The clothing, textiles and footwear industry saw a modest but steady 1,5 percent increase, despite stiff competition from low-cost producers.
Meanwhile, livestock and livestock products grew by 10 percent, with exports of poultry and eggs showing promise in regional markets.
Manufactured tobacco exports jumped by 30 percent to US$69,2 million.
This was in contrast to the 7 percent decline in unmanufactured tobacco.
While these non-traditional sectors are gaining ground, minerals and alloys remain the backbone of the economy.
This dominant sector saw a 28 percent increase, with exports rising to US$3,87 billion and accounting for over 81 percent of total
exports.
The overall result was a 21,8 percent increase in total exports to US$4,74 billion, which helped narrow the country’s trade deficit by 31 percent and showcased the success of its economic policies.
Writing in a column for The Sunday Mail, ZimTrade chief executive officer Mr Allan Majuru attributed the improvement in export performance to the deliberate policy direction of the Second Republic.
Mr Majuru said the Government’s diplomatic re-engagement strategy has been instrumental in deepening existing markets and unlocking new ones.
This approach was exemplified by the exponential growth in trade with the Middle East and new linkages in Europe, which were direct results of high-level visits and bilateral engagements.
He said the strategic repositioning was establishing Zimbabwe as a trusted global trade partner.
Simultaneously, ZimTrade has been running targeted export development programmes to enhance the visibility of Zimbabwean products across regional and international markets.
