By Financial Correspondent
Zimbabwe’s month on month trade statement realised a surplus of over US$90 million owing to gold, nickel and tobacco exports against imports of oil, cereals, machinery and fertilisers, showcasing Zimbabwe’s positive balance of payment.
According to the monthly statement for November on Trade by the country’s statistics body Zimstat, the month realised an over 200% revenue increase with gold, nickel topping exports.
“Zimbabwe’s goods trade balance for November 2025 was a surplus of USD90.5 million, a 215.2% increase from the October 2025 surplus of USD28.7 million.” The monthly report by Zimstat highlighted.
Furthermore, “Among the top ten products exported in November 2025 were semi-manufactured gold, tobacco, partly or wholly stemmed/stripped and nickel mattes, accounting for 42.4%, 23.7%, and 17.0% of the total value of USD1.046 billion, respectively.” The statement further emphasised
“The country’s major export destinations in November 2025 were United Arab Emirates (44.4%), South Africa (21.8%) and China (21.2%). The three countries accounted for about eighty seven percent of the total export value of USD1.046 billion.” The statement also highlighted.
Zimbabwe mainly imported oil, machinery, cereals and fertilisers while exporting just below US$30 million to European Union country’s, with South Africa, China, Bahama’s named amongst the top trade partners of Zimbabwe for November.
“Mineral fuels, mineral oils and products, machinery and mechanical appliances, cereals and fertilisers were among the top ten imported products in November 2025. The products constituted 20.4%, 10.5%, 7.0% and 6.4% of the total import value of USD 955.8 million, respectively.” Manager Balance of Payments and Finance statistics for ZIMSTAT, Mable Chimhore said during the presentation of the report.
On the other hand, “Zimbabwe’s exports to the European Union (EU) in November 2025 were tobacco, partly or wholly stemmed/stripped (68.3%), Industrial diamonds (13.2%), and ferro chromium (7.0%), accounting for around 89.0% of the total value (USD28.1 million) of goods exported to Europe.” Chimhore also highlighted.
Furthermore, “South Africa dominates imports with 39.2% share. China (15.8%), Bahamas (7.2%), and Bahrain (6.8%) follow as key suppliers. Together, the top 4 countries account for nearly 70% of total imports. Other notable partners: Mozambique (5.0%), Zambia (3.2%) and UAE (3.1%).” Chimhore concluded.
The positive balance of payments for November signal a positive potential in Zimbabwe’s trade despite not showcasing the lived conditions of the general Zimbabwean population while reinforcing calls for cereal self sustainability as a measure to directly grow the positive statement.