Zimbabwe’s Finance Minister, Mthuli Ncube, revealed on Sunday, April 27, that the country has engaged in direct negotiations with the United States to seek a reduction in the 18% tariff currently imposed on Zimbabwean exports.
The discussions, which have been ongoing with officials from both the US Treasury and Capitol Hill, aim to advocate for a more favourable tariff structure that would enhance Zimbabwe’s trade competitiveness. Ncube expressed optimism about the outcomes of these talks, noting that they were productive and allowed for better understanding of Zimbabwe’s economic development objectives.
Ncube highlighted that improving economic relations with the United States remains a priority for Zimbabwe, with the reduction of tariffs being a central element of these efforts. The Minister stressed that securing a more manageable tariff regime is essential for fostering stronger trade ties and furthering the country’s economic development goals. He noted that these discussions form a crucial part of Zimbabwe’s broader strategy to strengthen its international trade position.
In the context of the ongoing trade tensions, two weeks ago, US President Donald Trump announced a temporary halt on certain reciprocal tariffs, although the minimum 10% tariff introduced in early April remains in effect for goods from all countries, including Zimbabwe. The continuation of these tariffs poses significant challenges to Zimbabwe’s export competitiveness, further emphasising the importance of the current negotiations between the two nations.