Zimbabwe has moved to extend its sugar tax regime to imported beverages in a policy shift aimed at correcting market distortions, protecting local manufacturers and strengthening domestic industry competitiveness.
The move follows representations from industry players, including manufacturing and beverages giant INNSCOR Africa, who raised concerns over what it described as an uneven tax structure that placed local producers at a disadvantage compared to imported products.
In a statement yesterday, the Deputy Chief Secretary for Presidential Communications, George Charamba, confirmed the development, saying Government had agreed to align the tax framework with broader industrialisation and import parity objectives.
“Government has agreed to extend the sugar tax to imported beverages as part of measures to correct market distortions and ensure fairness within the sector,” said Charamba.
He said the policy adjustment reflects Government’s broader strategy to support local industry and promote fair competition across the beverages market.
“This intervention is aimed at ensuring that domestic producers operate on a level playing field with imported products that were previously not subjected to equivalent taxation structures,” he said.
Charamba added that the move is also part of efforts to enhance revenue collection while reinforcing industrial growth.
“It is a balancing act between protecting local industry, ensuring fairness in the market, and optimising fiscal revenues for the State,” he added.
Zimbabwe introduced a sugar tax as part of broader efforts to address non-communicable diseases and improve public health outcomes.
The latest policy adjustment extends its scope to imported beverages, reflecting a shift toward tax parity, industrial protection and revenue optimisation within the sector.
