ZIMSTAT revises February 2026 trade figures

The Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT) has revised the country's February 2026 External Trade Statistics after incorporating updated export data, resulting in a shift from a previously reported surplus to a deficit.

In a statement, ZIMSTAT director-general Tafadzwa Bandama said the February trade balance was adjusted from an initial surplus of US$46.5 million to a deficit of US$89.7 million.

She said the revised figures were published in the March 2026 External Trade Statistics Release following the receipt of more complete administrative export data after the initial publication.

"The revision followed the incorporation of updated and more complete administrative export data received after the initial publication of the February 2026 estimates," Bandama said.

She explained that export values were revised downward, which led to the trade balance shifting from a surplus into deficit territory.

Bandama said such revisions are a normal and internationally accepted part of statistical compilation processes, particularly in external trade data.

She added that the adjustment is consistent with global standards outlined under the International Merchandise Trade Statistics guidelines (IMTS 2010) and the Balance of Payments and International Investment Position Manual (BPM6).

"As more complete, accurate and updated source data become available, revisions are undertaken to enhance the accuracy, consistency and reliability of official statistics," she said.

ZIMSTAT said it remains committed to producing credible, transparent and internationally aligned statistics, and will continue engaging stakeholders to improve public understanding of revised economic data.