Category: zimbabwe

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Source: Zim registers US$52,8m trade surplus against South Africa – NewsDay Zimbabwe

ZIMBABWE recorded a US$52,8 million trade surplus against South Africa, its major trading partner, after exporting goods worth US$218,4 million to the neighbouring country in the month of January 2020, official figures have shown.

BY MTHANDAZO NYONI

Latest data from the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat) shows that Zimbabwe exported goods worth US$218,4 million to South Africa in January this year against imports of US$165,6 million, giving a trade surplus of US$52,8 million.

During the same period in 2019, Zimbabwe recorded a trade surplus of US$58 million, with imports at US$97,4m against exports of US$155,4m.

Exports rose by 41% while imports increased by 70%.

Exports to the neighbouring country included scrap metal, agricultural produce, beef, minerals as well as wines.

Zimbabwe’s imports from South Africa included vehicles, mealie-meal, fish, sausage casings, biscuits, electricity, electrical gadgets, chemicals, disposable napkins, incontinence pads, and wooden furniture, among others.

Globally, exports reached US$397,7 million against imports of US$383,6 million, giving a trade surplus of US$14,1 million.

Last year in the same period, the country recorded US$366,7 million imports against US$292,6 million exports, giving a trade deficit of US$74,1 million.

Other notable trading partners for Zimbabwe in the period under review were United Arab Emirates, Mozambique, Zambia, China and India, among others.

In his 2020 national budget, Finance minister Mthuli Ncube revealed that forex supply constraints compressed importation of essential inputs and capital equipment and as a result merchandise imports declined by 31%, to US$3,2 billion from US$4,6 billion recorded in the comparable period in 2018.

He said production in 2019 was depressed by an unconducive macro-economic environment and energy shortages, which weighed down merchandise export performance.

Analysts say trade between Zimbabwe and countries in the world is under threat due to the outbreak of coronavirus.

“Most of Zimbabwe’s diaspora remittance is from South Africa. A severe outbreak may significantly slow down the business in South Africa, thereby affecting incomes of the employees especially in non-regulated industries where most Zimbabweans are employed,” economic analyst Believer Mhlanga said.

“This in turn will affect the much-needed foreign currency availability in Zimbabwe. Foreign direct investment will also be affected,” he said.

Another economic analyst Godfrey Kanyenze said much of the huge demand for Zimbabwe’s commodities was coming from China.

“As we speak, there is little demand for our commodities. This is going to affect us in terms of remittances and exports,” he said.

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Source: Poor stadia drive soccer matches away from Harare . . . at least for now | The Herald

The post Poor stadia drive soccer matches away from Harare . . . at least for now appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.

SINGER Greatman, real name Tongai Gwaze, has married his sweetheart Silibaziso Masara amid a barrage of negative comments from some quarters. He confirmed the marriage to the Daily News yesterday as the rumour mill ran wild with claims that the woman was after the singer’s money. However, Greatman declared he would not heed the haters, […]