In a move that has stirred debate at home, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced the suspension of tariffs on imports from the United States—just days after Washington slapped an 18% levy on Zimbabwean goods.
The unexpected policy shift, announced via the president’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, is being framed as an olive branch to the Trump administration in a bid to warm up long-frosted diplomatic ties.
“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 wrote.
The relationship between the two nations has been tense for more than two decades, marred by Zimbabwe’s controversial land reform policies and ongoing human rights concerns that have led to persistent sanctions.
Trade figures between the countries remain relatively modest. According to U.S. government data, bilateral trade stood at $111.6 million in 2024. The U.S. exported $43.8 million worth of goods to Zimbabwe—marking a 10.6% increase from the previous year—while Zimbabwe’s exports to the U.S. dropped significantly by 41%, down to $67.8 million.
The president’s gesture, however, is being met with skepticism within Zimbabwe.
“This won’t move the needle much in terms of actual economic benefit for Zimbabwe,” said political analyst Dr. Tendai Mbanje in a statement to international media. “It’s a policy shift that’s tilted in favor of U.S. interests.”
Veteran journalist and outspoken government critic Hopewell Chin’ono didn’t mince words either. He suggested the tariff removal was a strategic attempt to curry favor with President Trump, possibly in the hope of having sanctions against Zimbabwe’s leadership lifted.
“It feels more like appeasement than diplomacy,” Chin’ono posted on X. “If the goal is sanction relief, it’s a long shot.”
While the government positions the move as pragmatic and future-focused, critics argue it lacks reciprocity and may do little to alleviate Zimbabwe’s deeper economic challenges. For now, all eyes are on Washington to see whether the goodwill gesture yields any meaningful shift in policy—or if it will be met with silence.
