• • President Mnangagwa wants to suspend tariffs on American imports

• • Move comes as U.S. rolls out new duties affecting over 180 countries

• • Harare eyes stronger ties with Washington under Donald Trump

Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa said last week he plans to ask his government to suspend all import duties on goods coming from the United States. The goal, he explained, is to open the country’s market to American products and strengthen economic and diplomatic ties with Washington.

Mnangagwa framed the move as part of an effort to build a “fair” two-way trade relationship. While he acknowledged the usefulness of tariffs in protecting local jobs and industries, he emphasized Zimbabwe’s desire to maintain friendly relations with all nations.

“Reciprocal tariffs can help defend jobs and industries, no doubt,” he said. “But Zimbabwe is committed to building good relations with every country.”

His announcement follows a decision by President Donald Trump on April 2 to impose new tariffs of up to 50% on goods from 185 countries—51 of them in Africa. Zimbabwe is on the list, facing an 18% tariff rate.

Relations between Zimbabwe and the U.S. have been rocky for years, especially during the rule of Robert Mugabe. That period saw the U.S. impose sanctions that included financial restrictions and visa bans on top Zimbabwean officials. But in March 2024, the U.S. lifted some of those sanctions for the first time in more than two decades a key diplomatic shift.

Scrapping tariffs could breathe new life into trade between the two countries. In 2024, Zimbabwe and the U.S. traded a total of $111.6 million in goods. Zimbabwe sent $67.8 million worth of products to the U.S. mostly tobacco and sugar while importing $43.8 million in American goods.

Charlène N’dimon