Zimbabwe's trade deficit widens to $2.4bn

Zimbabwe's trade deficit widens to $2.4bn
Published: 25 July 2013
Zimbabwe's trade deficit widened to $2.37bn in the six months to June after imports of $3.92 bln and exports amounted to $1.546m.

South Africa remained Zimbabwe's biggest trading partner in the six months to June, with exports to that country amounting to US$1.1bn against imports of $1.8bn.

According to latest figures from ZimStats, the trade deficit between Zimbabwe and South Africa now amounts to $779m.

Other countries that registered significant trades with Zimbabwe include the United Arab Emirates, which imported goods worth $116m from Zimbabwe, as well as Mozambique at $152m.

In terms of imports, Zimbabwe imported mainly from United Kingdom ($649m), China ($213m) and Mozambique ($123m).

Overall, Zimbabwe imported goods worth $3.9bn and exported goods worth $1.5bn.

The bulk of imports into Zimbabwe were made up of fuel, wheat and rice while exports from the country were mainly tobacco and minerals.

Zimbabwe has resorted to importing most of its food, among other things, amid closure of most industries.

Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries president Charles Msipa recently said the general elections to be held next Wednesday will provide the country with a solid base for robust economic growth.

Msipa said the next government should deal without delay with challenges besetting the economy, including addressing capital constraints and adopting policies that foster growth and create employment.

The Zimbabwe Investment Authority is also expecting investors to start scouring for opportunities in the country’s struggling agriculture sector after next week's elections.
- fin24

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