Online Reporter
Tapiwanashe Mangwiro
Senior Business Reporter
Zimbabwe’s external trade position strengthened in November after the country recorded a goods trade surplus of US$90,5 million, more than tripling from the previous month as imports fell sharply, according to the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat).
ZimStat said, “The resulting trade balance amounted to a surplus of US$90,5 million, a 215,2 percent increase from the October 2025 surplus of US$28,7 million.”
The improvement was largely driven by lower imports, which declined 5,7 percent to US$955,8 million from US$1.013 billion in October.
Exports remained broadly stable at US$1 046 billion, up 0.4 percent month-on-month. ZimStat noted, “Exports increased to US$1 046.3 billion in November, supported mainly by mineral and agricultural commodities.
The export basket continued to be dominated by semi-manufactured gold, accounting 42,4 percent, tobacco constituting 23,7 percent and nickel mattes at 17,0 percent of total exports, underscoring the central role of mining and agriculture in foreign currency generation.
ZimStat reiterated that, “When the value of exports exceeds the value of imports, it implies a trade surplus.” The agency said the United Arab Emirates accounted for 44,4 percent of export earnings, while South Africa dominated imports with a 39,2 percent share.
The strong November outcome is expected to ease pressure on the balance of payments, although export diversification remains key to sustaining the gains.
