Staff Writer
BUY Zimbabwe has hailed Zimbabwe’s record-breaking trade performance in July 2026, describing the country’s US$320.6 million trade surplus as a major milestone that demonstrates the growing strength and potential of local production.
Zimbabwe recorded its highest-ever monthly export figure of US$1.47 billion in July, while imports remained relatively stable at approximately US$1.15 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of US$320.6 million.
Buy Zimbabwe Chairman Munyaradzi Hwengwere said the figures demonstrated Zimbabwe’s capacity to produce competitively for both domestic and international markets.
“July represents a remarkable achievement for Zimbabwe’s trade performance. A trade surplus of US$320.6 million, driven by exports reaching US$1.47 billion, is a powerful indication that Zimbabwe has the productive capacity to generate value and compete beyond our borders,” said Hwengwere.
He said the latest figures should encourage the country to strengthen support for local producers while increasing value addition and creating an environment that enables Zimbabwean companies to expand production and exports.
“We must now build on this momentum by deliberately supporting local producers, increasing value addition and creating an environment where Zimbabwean companies can produce more and export more,” he said.
Hwengwere also highlighted agriculture’s contribution to Zimbabwe’s improved trade position, pointing to growth in several value-added agricultural commodities.
“What is particularly encouraging is the changing composition of our agricultural exports, with stronger growth in manufactured tobacco, sugar, fresh fruit, maize and hides,” he said.
According to Hwengwere, the changing export composition demonstrates Zimbabwe’s potential to move beyond exporting raw commodities and capture more value through processing and beneficiation.
“This demonstrates that Zimbabwe has the capacity to move beyond the export of raw commodities and increasingly capture greater value through processing and value addition,” he said.
He said the development should encourage increased investment in local production, beneficiation and the development of competitive Zimbabwean brands capable of penetrating regional and international markets.
Hwengwere further called for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors in promoting locally produced goods and services.
“As Buy Zimbabwe, we believe that the strength of our exports begins with the strength of our domestic industries. Every time we choose a quality Zimbabwean product, we contribute to strengthening the productive base that ultimately allows our companies to compete in regional and international markets,” he said.
He said the July trade figures demonstrated what Zimbabwe could achieve when greater attention was placed on production and exports.
Meanwhile, Buy Zimbabwe is set to host the Buy Zimbabwe Week in November 2026, a national campaign aimed at increasing awareness and consumption of genuine Zimbabwean brands.
The initiative comes amid concerns over the proliferation of counterfeit products on the local market and seeks to encourage consumers to identify and support authentic national brands.
Buy Zimbabwe said the campaign will also come at a critical period when many Zimbabweans receive annual bonuses and other additional income, with concerns that a significant portion of this disposable income is spent outside the country, particularly in South Africa.
The organisation is therefore positioning Buy Zimbabwe Week as an opportunity to encourage consumers to channel more of their spending towards locally produced goods and services, supporting domestic businesses, employment and economic growth.
The record July trade surplus, Buy Zimbabwe said, provides further evidence of the potential of Zimbabwean producers and the importance of creating a stronger domestic market for locally manufactured and value-added products.