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Zimbabwe Suspends Tariffs on US Goods Amid Trade Tensions
Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared a halt to tariffs on imports originating from the United States. This action is presented as an attempt to cultivate a more “positive relationship” with the administration of US President Donald Trump. The move follows closely on the heels of Washington’s decision to impose an 18% tariff on Zimbabwean exports, escalating trade tensions between the two nations.
Aim to Boost Trade and Improve Relations
President Mnangagwa communicated his government’s decision via social media platform X, stating, “This measure is designed to encourage an increase in American goods entering the Zimbabwean market, while concurrently facilitating the expansion of Zimbabwean exports into the United States.”
Diplomatic relations between Zimbabwe and the US have been difficult for approximately 25 years, primarily due to Harare’s controversial land redistribution policies and concerns over its human rights record.
Limited Trade Volume
Current trade figures between the two countries are modest. According to US government data, the total trade volume in 2024 reached only $111.6 million.
In 2024, US exports to Zimbabwe were valued at $43.8 million, reflecting a 10.6% increase from the previous year. Conversely, imports from Zimbabwe experienced a significant decrease of 41%, falling to $67.8 million.
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Mixed Reactions to Tariff Suspension
Political analyst Tendai Mbanje, speaking to AFP news agency, suggested that the tariff suspension is unlikely to yield substantial economic advantages for Zimbabwe, primarily benefiting the United States.
Hopewell Chin’ono, a prominent Zimbabwean journalist and critic of the government, commented that President Mnangagwa’s action appeared to be an attempt to “appease” the Trump administration.
Chin’ono further speculated on X that Mnangagwa might be hoping for a reversal of sanctions imposed by the US, but considered this outcome a “long shot”.
Background of US Sanctions
The United States initially implemented sanctions against Zimbabwe during the presidency of Robert Mugabe. These sanctions were a response to the land reform program initiated in 2000, which involved the seizure of farms owned by white individuals, and also due to repressive measures targeting political opposition.
In 2024, the Biden administration removed these broader sanctions. However, they were replaced with targeted sanctions against 11 individuals, including President Mnangagwa. These targeted measures were justified by citing “democratic backsliding, human rights abuses, and government corruption”.
President Mnangagwa has consistently refuted these allegations, denouncing the sanctions as “illegal and unjustified”.
Zimbabwe’s Stance on International Relations
In his announcement regarding the tariff waivers, President Mnangagwa emphasized Zimbabwe’s commitment to “fostering amicable relations with all nations, and cultivating adversarial relationships with none.”
He further stated, “This action highlights our dedication to a framework of equitable trade and strengthened bilateral cooperation.”
Concerns over Unilateral Action
Hopewell Chin’ono also pointed out that President Mnangagwa, in his capacity as chairman of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) regional bloc, ideally should be working towards a collective strategy in response to US trade policies, rather than acting independently.
“When nations encounter global economic shifts, coordinated responses provide greater influence and stability,” Chin’ono remarked.
Lesotho Faces Higher Tariffs
Lesotho, another nation in southern Africa, is facing even steeper tariffs of 50%, the highest rate imposed by the Trump administration as part of the recent trade measures.
The Lesotho government has indicated its intention to dispatch a delegation to the US to negotiate a revised trade agreement and to explore alternative markets for its exports.