Sikhulekelani Moyo,Zimapers Business Hub
BUY Zimbabwe has applauded the recent development that Zimbabwe recorded a trade surplus of US$7 million in August 2025, marking the first such surplus in recent years.
This achievement reflects not only stronger export performance but also the steady progress the nation is making towards restoring economic balance and reducing imports.
According to official data released by Zimstat last week, Zimbabwe’s export earnings rose to US$878,2 million in August 2025, up from US$876 million in July 2025.
While the increase is modest, it underlines resilience and consistency in export growth.
The surplus was achieved against imports of US$871 million, signaling a turning point from years of sustained trade deficits.
Commenting on the development, Buy Zimbabwe chairman and CEO Mr Munyaradzi Hwengwere hailed the development as a move in the right direction for the economy.
“This modest but historic surplus is a clear signal that Zimbabwe is moving in the right direction. It demonstrates the potential of our industries to produce and export competitively,” said Mr Hwengwere.
“However, the concentration of our export earnings in a few mineral products highlights the urgent need for diversification and value addition.”
In August 2023, Zimbabwe recorded a trade deficit of US$110 million, which narrowed to US$35 million the same month last year.
Export drivers remain anchored in minerals, with gold contributing US$462,7 million (52,7 percent of total exports), while platinum’s value doubled, showcasing strong growth potential.
Nickel, ferrochrome, and tobacco also maintained solid contributions, while agriculture products such as sugar and berries, though still below 3 percent of total exports, show encouraging signs of diversification.
Buy Zimbabwe continues to call for deliberate efforts to grow local manufacturing, enhance value chains, increase beneficiation, and expand exports to secure sustainable economic gains.
Mr Hwengwere stressed the need to continue focusing on ramping up production and import substitution given that some imports could rise.
“My sense is that the current balance has been caused mainly by two factors, the rise in gold export earnings and the reduction in maize imports. The real lesson here is that when we increase local production, our imports fall,” he said.
“The key challenge going forward is improving production, value addition and competitiveness.
Buy Zimbabwe reiterates its commitment to championing local content development, supporting businesses that create value within Zimbabwe, and working hand-in-hand with policymakers, industry, and consumers to ensure that this positive momentum translates into inclusive and long-term prosperity
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