Zimbabwe's Monthly Trade Deficit Widens to U.S.$228 Million

Zimbabwe's trade deficit increased to US$228 million in March 2025. This shows a need to improve local manufacturing capacity. A trade deficit happens when imports exceed exports. It indicates a negative balance of trade (BOT). A wider BOT reflects a country's competitiveness and economic policies.

For decades, Zimbabwe's productivity has not met local demand. The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) reported more imports than exports in March 2025.

The RBZ stated, "The trade deficit widened to US$228 million in March 2025." This is up from US$217.9 million the previous month. Year-on-year, the deficit rose from US$185.9 million in March 2024.

In March 2025, merchandise imports reached US$809.9 million. This is a 10.9% increase from US$730.4 million the month before. Year-on-year, imports grew by 12.4%.

Most imports came from South Africa (38.2%), China (15.2%), the Bahamas (