THE Zimbabwe Mercantile Exchange (ZMX) recorded firm commodity prices in the week ending June 6, supported by strong buyer demand and tight supplies across key agricultural commodities, despite a marginal decline in white maize prices, latest data shows.
The latest ZMX Weekly Bulletin shows a generally resilient grain market, with demand for maize, soya beans and other staples remaining strong despite minor price movements. Tight local supply conditions and steady industrial demand continue to underpin prices, particularly for maize and oilseeds, even as seasonal harvest inflows begin to increase.
White maize prices declined by 0,20% to close at US$348 per tonne, while soya bean prices strengthened to US$551 per tonne due to robust buyer demand and limited local supplies.
ZMX, established to provide a transparent and structured agricultural trading platform, aims to improve price discovery and market access for farmers, traders, and processors.
“ZMX commodity prices remained relatively firm during the trading session, with maize closing at US$348/MT despite a slight 0,20% decline, while soya beans strengthened to US$551/MT on the back of strong buyer demand and tight local supply,” the exchange said.
The exchange noted that forward demand for white maize continues to provide medium-term support for the market.
“Standing demand of 1 000MT per month from July to December 2026 is already available on the exchange,” ZMX said.
“This indicates sustained commercial and industrial buyer interest beyond the current harvest period and may help stabilise maize prices despite increasing seasonal supply inflows.”
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Market activity remained dominated by maize and soya beans, which accounted for the largest volumes on both the supply and demand sides.
Farmers currently have 6 510 tonnes of white maize available for sale at prices ranging between US$340 and US$357 per tonne. Buyer demand stands at 7 000 tonnes across Harare, Mutare and Bulawayo, with bids ranging between US$300 and US$350 per tonne.
ZMX said the narrowing gap between buyer and seller expectations suggests improving market matching conditions as harvest deliveries increase.
Demand for yellow maize remained firm, with buyers seeking 3 120 tonnes against just 460 tonnes in supply, reflecting sustained demand from feed manufacturers and stockfeed producers.
The soya bean market also remained tight, with 3 000 tonnes of demand against only 500 tonnes of supply. This imbalance continues to support elevated prices in the oilseed market.
Sugar beans remained among the most active high-value commodities. Supply stood at 1 250 tonnes, priced between US$1 150 and US$1 200 per tonne, while buyers were offering up to US$1 250 per tonne.
Wheat demand remained active at 1 000 tonnes, despite no supplies being listed on the exchange, pointing to continued reliance on imports and carry-over stocks.
Wheat prices remained elevated at US$470 per tonne, closely tracking import parity levels. Groundnuts and sugar beans continued to command premiums of up to US$1 300 per tonne due to limited supplies.
“Compared to regional and international markets, ZMX prices continue to trade at a significant premium, particularly for maize and soya beans,” the exchange said.
It compared local prices with global benchmarks such as the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and Johannesburg Stock Exchange, noting that Zimbabwe’s higher prices reflect domestic supply constraints, logistics costs and sustained local demand.
The firm pricing environment comes as the government enforces the 40:60 Local Grain Procurement and Import Verification Framework, requiring agro-processors and grain buyers to source at least 40% of grain locally before importing up to 60%.
