Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo
Zimpapers Business Hub
ZIMBABWE is reshaping its trade profile, with export earnings surging 48 percent in the first four months of 2026, driven by a sharp rise in value-added manufactured goods.
This growth halved the national trade deficit.
National trade promotion and development body ZimTrade said in a statement that cumulative exports for January–April 2026 reached US$3.57 billion, up from US$2.41 billion in the same period last year.
Consequently, the trade deficit narrowed from US$582 million in 2025 to US$295 million in 2026.
Central to this performance was a 34.4 percent jump in value-added products, which rose from US$149 million in 2025 to over US$200 million in 2026.
ZimTrade said the shift shows Zimbabwe moving away from raw commodity exports toward higher-margin manufactured goods that generate up to three times more profit.
“By focusing on value-added products, Zimbabwe can generate up to three times the profits compared to raw material exports, translating into higher income for the national economy and local enterprises,” ZimTrade stated.
Engineering steel products led the surge, shooting up 165.6 percent to US$77.9 million from US$29 million.
This growth is largely attributed to iron and steel bars, rods, and coils produced from expanded local capacity, including major projects like Dinson Iron and Steel.
Manufactured tobacco exports rose 33.5 percent to US$45.9 million, reflecting deep investment in the beneficiation of Zimbabwe’s “golden leaf.”
Building and construction materials edged up by four percent to US$9.5 million, driven by demand for unglazed ceramic tiles and mosaic cubes.
Additionally, sulfates such as alums and peroxydisulfate jumped to US$12.6 million in April 2026 from just US$357,000 a year earlier.
