The African nation’s leader says his government prefers to foster friendly relations with all countries rather than take a hostile stance
Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has announced plans to remove tariffs on goods imported from the US in an attempt to improve bilateral relations, which have been strained for years.
The move over the weekend comes days after US President Donald Trump introduced new global “reciprocal tariffs” aimed at addressing trade imbalances. Trump has accused foreign nations of abusing the openness of the US market and “ripping off” the American people.
Several African states have been affected by the measure, with Zimbabwean goods facing 18% levies. Zimbabwe’s neighbor South Africa, on which Trump placed a 30% rate, has expressed concern about the “unilaterally imposed and punitive tariffs,” arguing that they “serve as a barrier to trade and shared prosperity.”
In a statement on Saturday, Mnangagwa acknowledged that while reciprocal tariffs “as a tool for safeguarding domestic employment and industrial sectors hold merit,” Zimbabwe prefers to maintain friendly relationships with all countries rather than take confrontational approaches.
“In the spirit of constructing a mutually beneficial and positive relationship with the United States of America, under the leadership of President Trump, I will direct the Zimbabwean government to implement a suspension of all tariffs levied on goods originating from the United States,” Mnangagwa stated.
“This measure is intended to facilitate the expansion of American imports within the Zimbabwean market, while simultaneously promoting the growth of Zimbabwean exports destined for the United States. This action underscores our commitment to a framework of equitable trade and enhanced bilateral cooperation,” he added.
The southern African nation had been under US sanctions for more than two decades. The measures were imposed on late former President Robert Mugabe’s government after he implemented a land reform program in the year 2000 that resulted in the seizure of white-owned farms.
In March last year, Trump’s predecessor, Joe Biden, terminated the sanctions against Zimbabwe and imposed targeted restrictions on 11 individuals, including Mnangagwa, in response to “democratic backsliding, human rights abuses, and government corruption.”
Mnangagwa has denied the allegations, saying the sanctions are “illegal and unjustified.” His government has blamed the curbs for the nation’s economic woes – claims Washington’s embassy in Harare has dismissed.
Bilateral trade between the US and Zimbabwe increased by 20% in 2023, according to the US embassy. In 2024, the US exported $43.8 million to the African country, up 10.6% from the previous year, while importing $67.8 million from Zimbabwe, a 41.0% drop.
