Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced on Saturday that his administration will suspend all tariffs on goods imported from the United States, a move interpreted as a diplomatic gesture aimed at improving strained economic relations with Washington.
The announcement comes on the heels of a decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to impose an 18% duty on Zimbabwean exports to the United States earlier in the week. The U.S. move has been widely viewed as a significant blow to Zimbabwe’s fragile economy, which is already grappling with inflation, a depreciating currency, and limited access to international credit.
Mnangagwa took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to make the announcement, stating that the removal of tariffs is intended to promote “a mutually beneficial and positive relationship” between Zimbabwe and the U.S.
“In the spirit of cooperation and in the hope of opening a new chapter in our bilateral relations, Zimbabwe will be suspending all tariffs on American goods with immediate effect,” the president posted. “This is an act of goodwill that we hope will be reciprocated in due time.”
An Imbalanced Trade Relationship
Data from the U.S. Department of Commerce indicates that the trade volume between Zimbabwe and the United States totaled approximately $111.6 million in 2024. While the figure is modest compared to Zimbabwe’s trade with its principal partners—South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, and China—it highlights the existing, if limited, economic ties between Harare and Washington.
Zimbabwe’s exports to the U.S. consist primarily of agricultural commodities such as tobacco and sugar, which are subject to seasonal fluctuations and international demand. Imports from the U.S. to Zimbabwe are more diverse, encompassing machinery, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods.
However, analysts argue that the trade relationship remains heavily skewed in favor of the United States, a dynamic that could be exacerbated by Mnangagwa’s tariff suspension.
“This move will largely benefit the United States, which already exports a significant volume of high-value goods to Zimbabwe,” said Harare-based political analyst Tendai Mbanje, speaking to AFP. “Zimbabwe doesn’t have the industrial capacity to take advantage of reciprocal access to the U.S. market in any meaningful way, especially under the current economic constraints.”
Political and Economic Undercurrents
The timing of Mnangagwa’s decision has raised eyebrows, particularly given the recent trade penalties imposed by President Trump. While Zimbabwe has been under various forms of U.S. sanctions since the early 2000s, the new 18% duty marks an escalation in trade-related measures.
Some observers believe that Mnangagwa’s latest move reflects a broader strategy to soften Zimbabwe’s image on the international stage and to position the country as a cooperative and open economy, especially in anticipation of foreign investment.
Others, however, interpret the move as a political gamble that may not yield the desired outcome.
“Without a reciprocal gesture from the U.S., the suspension of tariffs could further deplete government revenues and put additional pressure on local industries already struggling to compete with imports,” said economist Rufaro Mhandu. “It’s a bold statement, but whether it’s a wise one remains to be seen.”
Challenges at Home
Mnangagwa’s announcement also comes at a time when Zimbabwe is facing mounting economic challenges at home. The local currency continues to lose value against major international currencies, inflation is surging, and fuel and food prices have climbed sharply in recent months.
The government has implemented a series of austerity measures in an attempt to stabilize the economy, including cuts to public spending and reforms aimed at boosting tax compliance. However, the public remains wary of policies that appear to prioritize international relations over domestic welfare.
“People are not opposed to international diplomacy,” said local business owner Alice Chiwenga. “But it’s hard to understand why we’re removing tariffs on U.S. goods when our own businesses are suffocating.”
The Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce also issued a cautious statement, welcoming the intent behind the president’s gesture but warning that such a move should be carefully assessed to ensure it does not further disadvantage local manufacturers.
Hope for Diplomatic Progress
Despite the skepticism, some within diplomatic circles have expressed hope that the suspension of tariffs could lead to a thaw in relations between Harare and Washington, potentially opening doors for more substantive dialogue on trade, investment, and human rights.
U.S.-Zimbabwe relations have been historically strained, particularly during the tenure of the late President Robert Mugabe, who clashed with Western governments over land reforms and allegations of electoral fraud and human rights abuses. Though Mnangagwa pledged to usher in a “new dispensation” following Mugabe’s ousting in 2017, relations with the U.S. have remained cautious at best.
“There is always value in extending an olive branch,” said one Western diplomat based in Harare, speaking on condition of anonymity. “Whether it translates into a meaningful policy shift in Washington remains to be seen, but it’s certainly a step toward de-escalation.”
Looking Ahead
As Zimbabwe prepares for mid-year economic reviews and faces pressure to revive growth, the government’s decision to suspend tariffs on U.S. goods could serve as a signal to other nations that Harare is open for business and willing to make compromises in the pursuit of economic recovery.
Nevertheless, the success of such a move will likely depend on its implementation, the response from the United States, and how well Zimbabwe balances international diplomacy with domestic priorities.
Until then, Mnangagwa’s decision remains a high-stakes bet—one that could either win him favor on the global stage or deepen economic woes at home.
