Exports fell by 14.7% to USD 575 million in September, compared to USD 674 million the previous month. A decline in key mineral exports contributed to the slump, with semi-manufactured gold dropping from USD 255.6 million to USD 231.1 million, and nickel ores and concentrates falling from USD 36.8 million to USD 19.7 million. Ferro-chromium exports also decreased to USD 16.7 million from USD 36.6 million.
Imports for September totaled USD 782.6 million, a 10.4% decline from the August figure of USD 873.2 million. Notable decreases were seen in mineral fuels, cereals, and fertilizers.
However, some minerals showed positive growth. Nickel mattes, including platinum group metals, rose to USD 74.6 million from USD 65.9 million in August, and tobacco exports increased to USD 111.2 million.
Year-on-year, the trade deficit has widened, with exports down 15.2% from September 2023, and imports rising by 1.2%. September’s figures reflect ongoing challenges in Zimbabwe’s trade balance, largely driven by fluctuations in the mining sector.
