Buy Zimbabwe has welcomed a significant improvement in the country’s external trade position after Zimbabwe moved from a US$763.9 million trade deficit in the first nine months of 2025 to a US$637.4 million surplus over the same period this year.
The turnaround represents an improvement of approximately US$1.4 billion, raising prospects of Zimbabwe closing 2026 with an annual trade surplus if the positive performance is sustained.
Figures released by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT) show that exports rose by 72.6% year-on-year to US$4.50 billion in the third quarter of 2026, compared to US$2.61 billion recorded during the corresponding period last year.
Imports also increased, growing by 41.7% from US$2.55 billion to US$3.61 billion. However, the stronger growth in exports resulted in a quarterly trade surplus of US$892.8 million, significantly higher than the US$60 million recorded in the third quarter of 2025.
Buy Zimbabwe Chairman, Munyaradzi Hwengwere, said the improved trade performance demonstrated the capacity of domestic productive sectors to generate export earnings and strengthen the economy’s external position.
“The movement from a US$763.9 million trade deficit in 2025 to a US$637.4 million surplus in 2026 is a significant development for our economy. This demonstrates the potential of our productive sectors to generate export earnings and strengthen the country’s external position,” he said.
However, Mr Hwengwere said sustaining the gains would require deliberate efforts to strengthen local industries, attract investment, create employment and increase the participation of Zimbabwean businesses in the economy.
He called for greater emphasis on domestic production, value addition and local procurement to reduce dependence on imported goods.
“The positive trade performance presents an opportunity for Zimbabwe to consolidate its economic gains by strengthening local value addition, supporting domestic industries and prioritising the procurement of locally produced goods,” he said.
He added that reducing imports, particularly of products that could be competitively manufactured locally, would stimulate domestic production, create jobs and ensure more value was retained within the economy.
Meanwhile, Buy Zimbabwe is preparing to host Buy Zimbabwe Week in Harare from November 23 to 28, bringing together manufacturers, businesses, policymakers and consumers to promote locally manufactured products.
The event is expected to provide a platform for showcasing Zimbabwean products, strengthening domestic procurement, encouraging value addition and opening up new market opportunities for local businesses.
The initiative seeks to translate the improved trade performance into sustained industrial growth, increased investment and employment creation through greater consumption of locally produced goods.
