The country recorded US$9.04 billion in merchandise exports in the first eight months of 2026, with minerals, agricultural products and manufactured goods contributing to growth

Zimbabwe increased its merchandise exports by 60.7 per cent year on year to US$9.04 billion between January and August 2026, compared with US$5.63 billion during the same period in 2025. This was reported by The Herald, a partner of TV BRICS.

Exports exceeded imports, which totalled US$8.45 billion during the period, resulting in a trade surplus of US$591.5 million. In August alone, export earnings reached US$1.68 billion, up 91 per cent year on year.

Value-added exports recorded particularly strong growth, rising by 67.9 per cent to US$593.4 million from US$353.5 million a year earlier. The figures reflect the expansion of domestic processing and manufacturing, alongside the country’s established agricultural and mineral production.

Minerals and alloys remained the largest export category, generating US$7.61 billion, an increase of 64.9 per cent. Gold exports reached US$4.08 billion, while nickel mattes accounted for US$1.25 billion.

Several other sectors recorded gains. Engineering product exports increased by 118.6 per cent to US$178.2 million, while chemical exports rose from US$6 million to US$158.5 million, and horticultural exports increased by 8.5 per cent to US$46.2 million. Cotton, pharmaceuticals, clothing, textiles and footwear, as well as arts and crafts, also contributed to export earnings.

Zimbabwe also expanded trade with BRICS and the group’s partner countries. Exports to China grew by 191.5 per cent to US$1.98 billion, while those to Indonesia and Vietnam increased by 39.8 per cent and 68.3 per cent, respectively.

African Times published this article in partnership with International Media Network TV BRICS