Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has announced a suspension of tariffs on goods imported from the United States, a move he says is aimed at fostering a “positive relationship” with the administration of US President Donald Trump.
The announcement, made on social media platform X, comes just days after the Trump administration imposed an 18% tariff on Zimbabwean exports to the US. Mnangagwa said the suspension was designed to encourage greater inflow of American products into Zimbabwe, while also aiming to boost the country’s export potential to the US.
“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,” Mnangagwa stated.
Diplomatic relations between the two countries have been tense for over two decades, largely due to Zimbabwe’s controversial land reform policies and its poor human rights record. The latest gesture from Mnangagwa signals an attempt to thaw the long-standing frostiness between Harare and Washington.
Despite the diplomatic push, trade between the two countries remains modest. According to US government figures, bilateral trade amounted to just $111.6 million in 2024. American exports to Zimbabwe stood at $43.8 million—up by 10.6% from the previous year—while Zimbabwean exports to the US dropped sharply by 41% to $67.8 million.
Zimbabwean political analyst Tendai Mbanje expressed scepticism about the potential benefits of Mnangagwa’s decision. Mbanje said the move was unlikely to yield significant economic advantages for Zimbabwe and would mainly favour US businesses.
Prominent investigative journalist and government critic Hopewell Chin’ono also questioned Mnangagwa’s motives, suggesting the president was attempting to curry favour with the Trump administration in hopes of securing the removal of sanctions. “It’s a long shot,” Chin’ono wrote on X, dismissing the likelihood of any immediate diplomatic reward.
As Zimbabwe grapples with economic challenges, critics say the tariff suspension may have more symbolic value than practical impact. Still, Mnangagwa appears determined to reposition Zimbabwe on the international stage—even if it means making the first move.
