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US war on Iran war disrupts Zimbabwe exports
2 hrs ago |
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A busy fresh-produce packaging facility in northern Harare is buzzing with activity as about 30 women in green uniforms grade sugar snap peas and mange tout destined for European markets, but Zimbabwe's horticulture exporters say the season has begun under severe pressure due to rising freight costs linked to the Iran conflict.
The war broke out just as Kuminda, an agricultural aggregator working with about 5,000 small-scale farmers, was preparing its first exports of the year.
Kuminda CEO Clarence Mwale told Reuters that export costs have risen sharply, with shipping now costing about US$3.80 per kilogram to European markets, compared to US$2 to US$2.20 last year. The increase has been driven largely by higher fuel prices and disrupted flight routes.
"To get products to London and Amsterdam is more expensive this year," Mwale said, adding that disruptions to flights through the United Arab Emirates have also affected logistics to key markets.
Zimbabwe remains a major supplier of sugar snap peas to Europe, accounting for about 60% of UK imports during peak off-season months between April and October. However, exporters say rising costs are making it harder to compete with countries such as Kenya, Egypt, and South American producers, who benefit from more stable and cheaper air freight options.
Some exporters are increasingly turning to sea freight, despite longer transit times of up to 30 days, in an attempt to reduce costs.
The sector has been one of Zimbabwe's notable economic recovery stories. According to ZimTrade, horticulture exports reached a record US$181.7 million in 2025, surpassing the 1999 peak of US$140 million recorded before the fast-track land reform programme of the early 2000s.
That collapse wiped out much of Zimbabwe's export agriculture base, but the sector has gradually rebuilt under renewed government focus on agriculture and export growth.
The Horticultural Development Council (HDC) has urged government intervention to cushion farmers from rising costs, including tax relief on inputs, faster VAT refunds, and measures to reduce fuel-related levies.
"Horticulture is recovering strongly, but cost pressures are now the biggest threat to competitiveness," said HDC CEO Linda Nielsen.
As global instability continues to affect logistics and fuel prices, Zimbabwe's exporters say sustaining recent gains will depend on how quickly the country adapts to rising international freight and energy costs.
The war broke out just as Kuminda, an agricultural aggregator working with about 5,000 small-scale farmers, was preparing its first exports of the year.
Kuminda CEO Clarence Mwale told Reuters that export costs have risen sharply, with shipping now costing about US$3.80 per kilogram to European markets, compared to US$2 to US$2.20 last year. The increase has been driven largely by higher fuel prices and disrupted flight routes.
"To get products to London and Amsterdam is more expensive this year," Mwale said, adding that disruptions to flights through the United Arab Emirates have also affected logistics to key markets.
Zimbabwe remains a major supplier of sugar snap peas to Europe, accounting for about 60% of UK imports during peak off-season months between April and October. However, exporters say rising costs are making it harder to compete with countries such as Kenya, Egypt, and South American producers, who benefit from more stable and cheaper air freight options.
Some exporters are increasingly turning to sea freight, despite longer transit times of up to 30 days, in an attempt to reduce costs.
The sector has been one of Zimbabwe's notable economic recovery stories. According to ZimTrade, horticulture exports reached a record US$181.7 million in 2025, surpassing the 1999 peak of US$140 million recorded before the fast-track land reform programme of the early 2000s.
That collapse wiped out much of Zimbabwe's export agriculture base, but the sector has gradually rebuilt under renewed government focus on agriculture and export growth.
The Horticultural Development Council (HDC) has urged government intervention to cushion farmers from rising costs, including tax relief on inputs, faster VAT refunds, and measures to reduce fuel-related levies.
"Horticulture is recovering strongly, but cost pressures are now the biggest threat to competitiveness," said HDC CEO Linda Nielsen.
As global instability continues to affect logistics and fuel prices, Zimbabwe's exporters say sustaining recent gains will depend on how quickly the country adapts to rising international freight and energy costs.
Source - Reuters
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