The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has overtaken Zimbabwe’s traditional export markets to become the country’s leading export destination, accounting for 40.5% of total exports in June 2026.
The latest Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) monthly report shows the UAE ahead of South Africa and China, which accounted for 30.7% and 21.1% of Zimbabwe’s exports, respectively.
“During the period under review, the United Arab Emirates was Zimbabwe’s top export destination, absorbing 40.5% of exports, followed by South Africa 30.7% and China 21.1%. Together, these three markets accounted for 92.3% of the country’s exports,” the RBZ said.
The figures underscore the rapidly expanding trade relationship between Zimbabwe and the UAE, with ComTrade data showing that Zimbabwean exports to UAE have increased substantially over the years.
Exports to the UAE rose from less than US$525 million in 2017 to US$2.62 billion in 2024, reflecting the country’s growing importance as a market for Zimbabwean products.
Zimbabwe’s exports to the UAE include tobacco, sulphur, cement, precious metals, raw hides and skins, among other commodities.
The growth in bilateral trade comes as Zimbabwe and the UAE move to further strengthen economic relations, with negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) expected to be concluded in the coming weeks.
The proposed agreement is expected to establish a stronger framework for expanding bilateral trade, attracting investment and improving market access for goods and services from both countries.
The UAE’s emergence as Zimbabwe’s leading export destination comes as Government intensifies efforts to diversify export markets, increase foreign currency earnings and attract investment into the economy.
However, South Africa remained Zimbabwe’s leading source of imports during the period under review.
According to the RBZ, South Africa accounted for 30.6% of Zimbabwe’s imports in June, followed by China at 17.8 %, Hong Kong at 10.4%, Bahrain at 5.9% and Mozambique at 4.8%.
Other imports came from markets including the Bahamas, United Kingdom, Zambia, Mauritius and the UAE.
The latest figures point to a changing pattern in Zimbabwe’s external trade, with the UAE increasingly emerging as a major destination for the country’s exports while South Africa continues to dominate the import side.
