ZIMBABWE is steadily reshaping its trade profile, moving away from reliance on raw commodity exports towards higher-value manufactured goods, national trade development and promotion body ZimTrade has said.
According to the latest data from the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency, cumulative export earnings for the period January to April 2026 surged by 48% to US$3,57 billion, up from US$2,41 billion recorded during the same period in 2025.
The increase in exports also helped narrow the country’s trade deficit from US$582 million in 2025 to US$295 million in 2026.
A key driver of this export performance has been the rise in value-added products, which grew by 34,4% from US$149 million in 2025 to more than US$200 million in 2026.
“This indicates a deliberate expansion of manufactured goods, signalling the country’s departure from reliance on raw commodities,” ZimTrade said in a statement on Wednesday.
“By focusing on value-added products, Zimbabwe can generate up to three times the profits compared to raw material exports, translating into greater income for the national economy and local enterprises.”
The growth was largely driven by engineering steel products, which recorded a 165,6% increase, reaching US$77,9 million from US$29 million in 2025, ZimTrade noted.
“This surge is largely attributed to iron and steel bars, rods, and coils, driven by the expansion of local production capacity from major industrial projects such as the Dinson Iron and Steel operations,” it said.
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Manufactured tobacco exports also increased by 33,5% to US$45,9 million, reflecting growing investment in value chain systems aimed at maximising returns from Zimbabwe’s tobacco industry.
Exports of building and construction materials rose marginally by 4% to US$9,5 million during the January–April 2026 period, compared to US$9,1 million in 2025. Key products in this category include unglazed ceramic flags, paving, hearth or wall tiles, and mosaic cubes.
“These indicators underscore progress towards the National Development Strategy 2 goal of increasing the ratio of value-added exports to total national exports from a 2025 baseline of 5,5% to 18,4% by 2030,” ZimTrade said.
“To achieve this target, continuous efforts are being made to improve the ease of doing business in Zimbabwe. Through the 2026 National Budget and its accompanying fiscal frameworks, the Government introduced targeted fiscal policies and structural tax adjustments specifically engineered to incentivise operations and accelerate local beneficiation.”
ZimTrade said increased exports of processed minerals demonstrated the impact of beneficiation policies.
Exports of sulfates, including alums and peroxosulphates (persulphates), reached US$12,6 million in April 2026, up from US$357 000 recorded during the same period in 2025.
“Growth like this can be attributed to processed lithium, with the first shipment recorded in April 2026, resulting from the government export ban on lithium concentrates earlier in the year,” ZimTrade said.
“This, along with value chain optimisation initiatives implemented through various organisations like ZimTrade, is equipping small to medium enterprises and smallholder farmers to develop their value chain systems and products in line with international standards.
“This includes running projects such as international expert interventions, youth- and women-focused programmes, and cluster development efforts.”
Regarding export destinations, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), South Africa and China accounted for 89% of Zimbabwe’s total exports.
The UAE remained the leading destination, absorbing 50,4% of total exports worth US$1,79 billion, mainly in mineral products.
South Africa ranked second after recording a 47% increase to US$830 million, overtaking China, which recorded a 35% rise to US$563 million in 2026, up from US$419 million in 2025.
Beyond these three markets, Zimbabwe’s top 10 export destinations showed signs of diversification, with increased exports to Zambia, Botswana, Indonesia, Russia and the United States.
The recent nomination of Zimbabwe to the United Nations Security Council for the 2027–2028 term is also expected to support trade and market diversification efforts, anchored by the country’s foreign policy framework.
Commenting on the development, ZimTrade chief executive officer Allan Majuru said the nomination would act as a catalyst for Zimbabwe’s trade ambitions.
“The UN Security Council nomination accelerates current trade initiatives aimed at growing exports by elevating Zimbabwe's profile on the world stage, where commercial negotiations often follow global credibility,” Majuru said.
He added that the enhanced global standing would complement ZimTrade’s ongoing work to help businesses access new markets.
To support local manufacturers seeking to enter emerging markets, ZimTrade, with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, regularly facilitates bilateral trade seminars, missions and strategic market scans aimed at expanding Zimbabwe’s export footprint.
Current initiatives include the Zambia Services in Building and Construction mission underway in Lusaka, as well as recently completed market scans in Vietnam and Thailand to identify trade opportunities.
