Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced the suspension of all import tariffs on goods originating from the United States, in what he described as a diplomatic gesture aimed at fostering improved bilateral ties. The decision, made public on Saturday, follows a controversial move by U.S. President Donald Trump to impose an 18% tariff on Zimbabwean exports to the United States earlier in the week.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Mnangagwa framed the decision as “a sincere effort to build a mutually beneficial and positive relationship” with Washington, even as tensions between the two nations deepen over trade and human rights issues. He added that Zimbabwe was “open for business” and willing to cooperate with any partner showing goodwill.
According to the latest figures from the U.S. Census Bureau, bilateral trade between the two countries stood at $111.6 million in 2024, with Zimbabwe exporting goods worth approximately $28 million to the U.S.—mainly raw tobacco, sugar, and minerals. The U.S., in turn, exported machinery, agricultural products, and pharmaceutical goods valued at over $83 million to Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe’s major trading partners remain South Africa, China, and the United Arab Emirates, making the U.S. a relatively minor economic player in the southern African country’s international trade portfolio.
Despite the limited scope of U.S.-Zimbabwe trade, Mnangagwa’s administration appears to be seeking a thaw in relations with the United States, which have remained largely frosty since the early 2000s. Zimbabwe has been under various U.S. sanctions targeting top government officials and entities accused of corruption and human rights violations.
Mnangagwa’s tariff suspension drew mixed reactions at home, with critics arguing that the move disproportionately favors U.S. economic interests. Harare-based political analyst Tendai Mbanje told AFP that the decision “will likely only benefit the United States,” adding that Zimbabwe’s domestic industries may struggle to compete with a potential influx of U.S. imports.
“Given the lack of reciprocal concessions, this could undermine local production in key sectors like manufacturing and agriculture,” Mbanje said.
The decision also comes amid growing public discontent over the country’s economic woes, including high inflation, currency volatility, and widespread unemployment. In recent months, Zimbabwe has been courting investment and aid from China, Russia, and Gulf states, while attempting to normalize relations with Western powers.
Analysts suggest that Mnangagwa’s move may be intended to position Zimbabwe as a constructive partner in the eyes of Washington, particularly ahead of a potential U.S.-Africa summit expected to be held later this year. Some also speculate it could be aimed at softening criticism over governance issues and winning support for re-engagement with international financial institutions like the IMF and World Bank.
The U.S. government has not formally responded to Mnangagwa’s gesture, and it remains unclear whether the Biden administration—if it returns to office in 2025—would reverse Trump’s trade policy decisions regarding Zimbabwe. For now, the move reflects Zimbabwe’s ongoing balancing act: opening its economy to outside investment while grappling with domestic economic challenges and an often skeptical international community.
