Zimbabwe Suspends Tariffs On U.S. Imports Amid Tensions Over Trump’s New Duties

President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced on Saturday that Zimbabwe will suspend all tariffs on imports from the United States, just days after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed an 18% duty on Zimbabwean exports entering the American market.

In a statement shared on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Mnangagwa framed the move as a gesture of goodwill aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.

“This is an effort to build a mutually beneficial and positive relationship with the United States,” he wrote.

According to U.S. government data, total trade between the U.S. and Zimbabwe reached $111.6 million in 2024. Zimbabwe’s key exports to the U.S. include tobacco and sugar, although its largest trading partners remain South Africa, China, and the United Arab Emirates.

Despite the diplomatic tone of Mnangagwa’s message, some observers have questioned the wisdom of the policy shift.

“This move is likely to benefit the United States far more than Zimbabwe,” said Tendai Mbanje, a political analyst based in Harare, speaking to AFP. “It could worsen our trade deficit while doing little to resolve the tariff conflict.”

Mnangagwa’s response follows President Trump’s decision earlier this week to increase duties on several African exports, citing “unfair trade practices” and “the need to protect American jobs.” The tariffs have drawn criticism from across the continent, with economic experts warning of widespread ripple effects in fragile economies.

Zimbabwe’s decision to unilaterally drop import tariffs may be aimed at diffusing tension and keeping diplomatic channels open — especially amid mounting U.S. pressure on countries in southern Africa to align with Washington’s economic policies.