Zimbabwe’s goods trade surplus rose by 34.1% to US$320.6 million in July 2026, from US$239.1 million recorded in June.
In its latest trade statistics, Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT) said exports increased by 1.9% during the month, reaching US$1.47 billion, while imports fell by 4.5% to US$1.15 billion.
“The country recorded a trade surplus of US$320.6 million in July 2026, up 34.1% from the US$239.1 million recorded in June 2026,” ZIMSTAT said.
The statistics agency said the improvement in the trade balance was largely a result of movements in both sides of the trade account, with exports recording growth while imports declined.
“Exports increased by 1.9% to US$1.47 billion, while imports declined by 4.5% to US$1.15 billion,” ZIMSTAT said.
The increase in exports suggests that Zimbabwe continued to generate substantial foreign currency from goods sold on international markets during the month, while the decline in imports reduced the amount of foreign currency spent on goods coming into the country.
ZIMSTAT said the developments had combined to widen the country’s trade surplus significantly during the month.
“The widening surplus was therefore driven by a combination of higher exports and lower imports, strengthening Zimbabwe’s external trade position during the month,” the agency said.
The July figures represent a notable month-on-month improvement, with the surplus increasing by US$81.5 million from the US$239.1 million recorded in June.
The growth in the surplus also means that Zimbabwe exported considerably more goods than it imported during the period, creating a positive merchandise trade balance.
However, the monthly figures will need to be assessed alongside longer-term trade trends to determine whether the improvement represents a sustained shift in Zimbabwe’s external sector or a temporary movement driven by changes in export and import flows.
