Zimbabwe imports from SA up 17%

Zimbabwe imported goods from South Africa worth US$193.6 million last month, reflecting a 17 percent increase from imports worth US$175. 4 million the same period in 2017.

South Africa which is the country's main trading partner continues to dominate trade with Zimbabwe, as evidenced by the trade data released to the ZBC News by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency this Wednesday.

While total trade between the two countries since January has reached US$905 million, concern is being raised by the trade deficit which has seen the country consuming more than what it sells to South Africa.

This is reflected by exports worth US$160.2 million against imports valued at US$193.6 million in September this year.

For the same period in 2017, Zimbabwe recorded a trade deficit of US$14.2 million, with imports at US$185.4 million against exports of US$171.2 million.

Imports from South Africa included vehicles, groceries, electrical gadgets, toiletries, chemicals, wooden furniture among others.

Exports to South Africa included scrap metal, agricultural produce, beef, minerals and tobacco.

Other notable trading partners for Zimbabwe included Singapore, China, Japan, Zambia, India, United Arab Emirates and Mauritius.

Zimbabwe is currently facing challenges to correct trade imbalances following capital constraints affecting manufacturing companies that have also resulted in the overall balance of payments situation remaining under pressure with foreign exchange availability to support domestic production being also constrained.