Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa has announced the suspension of tariffs on US goods to foster a “positive relationship” with President Donald Trump’s administration, following Trump’s imposition of an 18% tariff on Zimbabwean exports to the US.
This move has been met with criticism, with some questioning its potential economic benefits for Zimbabwe and accusing Mnangagwa of trying to “appease” the Trump administration.
The country’s strained diplomatic relations with the US date back to its adoption of a controversial land policy 25 years ago and its poor human rights record.
Trade between Zimbabwe and the US totaled $111.6 million in 2024, with the US exporting goods worth $43.8 million and importing $67.8 million.
The US has imposed tariffs on various African countries, with Lesotho facing the highest rate at 50%.
Critics argue that Mnangagwa’s decision may not yield substantial economic benefits for Zimbabwe and could only benefit the US, and that as chairman of the regional bloc SADC, he should be trying to forge a common response to the US tariffs rather than acting unilaterally.
