Promote:
Export from Zimbabwe
A short guide for companies selling from Zimbabwe: the export figures, the agreements and their limits, the main steps and who can help, each with its source.
1. What Zimbabwe sells, and who buys it
Goods exports
US$9.71 billion
Merchandise exports were US$9.71 billion in 2025.
Source: UN Comtrade, Zimbabwe exports by destination, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Services exports
US$457.1 million
Services exports were US$457.11 million in 2024, from the WTO, UNCTAD and ITC data on UNCTADstat.
Source: UNCTADstat, WTO-UNCTAD-ITC services exports, Zimbabwe, 2024 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2024
Top goods exports
2025
- 1. Gold (HS 7108)US$4.64 billion
- 2. Nickel mattes and intermediates (HS 7501)US$1.41 billion
- 3. Unmanufactured tobacco (HS 2401)US$1.33 billion
- 4. Other mineral substances (HS 2530)US$414 million
- 5. Ferro-alloys (HS 7202)US$369.5 million
- 6. Coke (HS 2704)US$179.5 million
- 7. Chromium ore (HS 2610)US$165.9 million
- 8. Other ores and concentrates (HS 2617)US$161 million
Show 12 more products
- 9. Diamonds (HS 7102)US$135.3 million
- 10. Nickel ore (HS 2604)US$118.4 million
- 11. Other manufactured tobacco (HS 2403)US$68 million
- 12. Cigarettes and cigars (HS 2402)US$56.1 million
- 13. Platinum (HS 7110)US$51.1 million
- 14. Cane sugar (HS 1701)US$49.7 million
- 15. Semi-finished iron and steel (HS 7207)US$47.3 million
- 16. Electricity (HS 2716)US$30.3 million
- 17. Raw hides and skins (HS 4103)US$26.5 million
- 18. Iron and steel bars (HS 7214)US$23.9 million
- 19. Coal (HS 2701)US$22.5 million
- 20. Pig iron (HS 7201)US$20.6 million
- Gold alone is 47.8 percent of 2025 export value, so the top of this list reflects mining. Source (opens in a new tab)
- Flow X includes re-exports; Zimbabwe's Comtrade report for 2025 shows no re-export (flow RX) value. Source (opens in a new tab)
Source: UN Comtrade, Zimbabwe exports by product, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Where the goods go
2025, share of goods exports
- United Arab Emirates48.7%
- South Africa22.7%
- China14%
- Mozambique2.7%
- Belgium1.5%
- Zambia1.4%
- Indonesia1.1%
- Netherlands0.7%
- Gold is 47.8 percent of 2025 exports and 97.0 percent of gold went to the United Arab Emirates, so destination shares follow gold sales. Source (opens in a new tab)
Source: UN Comtrade, Zimbabwe exports by destination, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
2. What to look into next
Our reading
Extractive lines (gold, nickel mattes and intermediates and other mineral substances) make up about 75% of Zimbabwe’s goods exports, so the totals mostly describe that trade. For another product, look at demand for your own line, market by market.
Sources: UN Comtrade, Zimbabwe exports by product, 2025 (opens in a new tab); UN Comtrade, Zimbabwe exports by destination, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
Based on: Top goods exports and goods exports
The research marks unmanufactured tobacco and raw hides and skins as lines a small or mid-sized company could be in. If yours is one, check which markets buy that line, not only Zimbabwe’s top destinations overall.
Source: UN Comtrade, Zimbabwe exports by product, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
Based on: Top goods exports
The United Arab Emirates takes 48.7% of Zimbabwe’s goods exports. If you sell there, its import rules and buyer channels come first; either way, compare at least one other market before you commit.
Source: UN Comtrade, Zimbabwe exports by destination, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
Based on: Where the goods go
Promote:Global’s reading of the figures above, not a source’s statement, and not advice.
3. Trade agreements
What each arrangement can mean for a seller, and its limits. A preference is conditional: check the rules of origin before you quote.
SADC Free Trade Area
Gives a tariff advantage in other SADC markets for goods that meet the rule of origin and carry the right certificate.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access. Check the importing country's treatment before you quote.
Source: ZimTrade, Trade Agreements Guide, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
COMESA Free Trade Area
Gives a tariff advantage in other participating COMESA markets for goods that meet the origin rules; an electronic certificate of origin is in use.
Only participating member states apply the free trade area, so check the partner country's treatment.
Source: ZimTrade, Trade Agreements Guide, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
African Continental Free Trade Area
Zimbabwe ratified the AfCFTA Agreement on April 25, 2019 and deposited its instrument on May 24, 2019, the African Union's status list records.
ZIMRA's origin page, read on 2026-10-30, publishes no AfCFTA route, so confirm with ZIMRA before you claim a preference.
Source: African Union, AfCFTA ratification status list, May 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of May 22, 2026
COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Free Trade Area
SADC lists Zimbabwe among the 14 states that had ratified the agreement when it came into force on July 25, 2024.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access. Check the importing country's treatment before you quote.
Source: SADC, Tripartite Free Trade Area entry into force, July 2024 (opens in a new tab) · as of July 24, 2024
Show 8 more agreements
European Union and Eastern and Southern Africa interim Economic Partnership Agreement
Gives originating goods duty-free, quota-free entry to the European Union, as ZimTrade's guide summarizes.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access.
Source: European Commission, Eastern and Southern Africa trade page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
United Kingdom and Eastern and Southern Africa Economic Partnership Agreement
Gives originating goods duty-free, quota-free entry to the United Kingdom, as ZimTrade's guide summarizes.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access.
Source: United Kingdom government, trade agreements in effect, current page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
United Kingdom Developing Countries Trading Scheme
Zimbabwe trades with the United Kingdom under the Eastern and Southern Africa agreement instead.
The scheme excludes countries that are not least developed and have an economic partnership agreement with the United Kingdom.
Source: United Kingdom government, trading scheme preference tiers, current page (opens in a new tab) · as of June 19, 2023
Zimbabwe-Botswana Trade Agreement
Gives reciprocal duty-free trade in qualifying goods subject to a 25 percent local content rule.
Each agreement has its own origin rules and certificate.
Source: ZimTrade, Trade Agreements Guide, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Zimbabwe-Malawi Trade Agreement
Gives a reciprocal preference with a 25 percent domestic value-added requirement.
Each agreement has its own origin rules and certificate.
Source: ZimTrade, Trade Agreements Guide, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Zimbabwe-Namibia Trade Agreement
Gives a reciprocal preference with at least 25 percent local content for manufactured goods.
Each agreement has its own origin rules and certificate.
Source: ZimTrade, Trade Agreements Guide, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Zimbabwe-Mozambique Trade Agreement
Gives duty-free trade between the two countries with a 25 percent domestic value-added rule.
Each agreement has its own origin rules and certificate.
Source: ZimTrade, Trade Agreements Guide, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
AGOA
Zimbabwean goods have no AGOA duty-free access in 2026, because the President did not designate Zimbabwe.
The designation list is reviewed each year, so check the next one before you prepare a shipment.
Source: Federal Register, annual review of country eligibility, June 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of June 30, 2026
4. Steps to export
The main steps, in order, each with the body responsible and its official page.
Exporting from Zimbabwe
- Register with ZIMRA for tax and hold a valid tax clearance certificate; ZimTrade's guide lists it among the exporter registration documents.Zimbabwe Revenue AuthorityOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: ZimTrade, Trade Agreements Guide, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
- Register the exporter, and the goods, with ZIMRA under each trade agreement you intend to claim.Zimbabwe Revenue AuthorityOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: ZimTrade, Trade Agreements Guide, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
- Get permits for controlled goods from the body that issues them before you ship.Ministry of Agriculture; Department of Veterinary Service; Environmental Management Agency; Medicines Control Authority of ZimbabweOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: ZIMRA, controlled goods, current page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Check the standards and certification rules for your product with the national standards body.Standards Association of ZimbabweOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: SAZ, standards information, current page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Show 3 more export steps
- Have ZIMRA Customs and Excise certify the certificate of origin; exports to the European Union rely on registered exporter status instead.Zimbabwe Revenue AuthorityOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: ZimTrade, Trade Agreements Guide, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
- Clear the shipment through ZIMRA's customs systems, using the Zimbabwe Electronic Single Window where it applies to your goods.Zimbabwe Revenue AuthorityOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: ZIMRA, Zimbabwe Electronic Single Window news item (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Check the tax incentives for exporters that ZIMRA lists before you price.Zimbabwe Revenue AuthorityOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: ZIMRA, fiscal incentives, current page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
5. Organizations that help exporters
Start with ZimTrade and ZIMRA. Each card links to the organization’s own site.
Each card says what it can help with:Get adviceFind financeMeet requirementsResearch markets
Export development and market information
- Get advice
National trade promotion agency
ZimTrade
Trains exporters, shares market information and arranges buyer-seller contacts for Zimbabwean companies.
Visit ZimTrade (opens in a new tab)Source: ZimTrade, about ZimTrade, current page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Research markets
National statistics agency
ZIMSTAT
Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency
Publishes monthly trade, price and national accounts statistics, including exports by product and by country.
Visit ZIMSTAT (opens in a new tab)Source: ZIMSTAT, external trade reports, current page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Show 1 more organization
- Research markets
Continental trade secretariat
AfCFTA Secretariat
Multilateral body
Hosts the AfCFTA e-Tariff Book, the legal texts and the Guided Trade Initiative pages for traders.
Visit AfCFTA Secretariat (opens in a new tab)Source: AfCFTA Secretariat home page, current page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Customs and tax
- Meet requirements
Tax and customs authority
ZIMRA
Zimbabwe Revenue Authority
Clears goods, registers exporters and goods under trade agreements, certifies certificates of origin and registers taxpayers.
Visit ZIMRA (opens in a new tab)Source: ZIMRA, origin and preference, current page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Research markets
Regional economic community
SADC
Southern African Development Community
Regional body
Publishes the SADC Free Trade Area's customs and rules-of-origin material, including an exporters' guide.
Visit SADC (opens in a new tab)Source: SADC, customs pillar, current page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Show 1 more organization
- Research markets
Regional economic community
COMESA
Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa
Regional body
Runs the simplified trade regime that lets small cross-border traders clear listed goods duty free with a simplified certificate of origin.
Visit COMESA (opens in a new tab)Source: ZIMRA, COMESA Simplified Trade Regime, current page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Standards and sector requirements
- Meet requirements
National standards body
SAZ
Standards Association of Zimbabwe
Writes national standards, tests and certifies products and runs the technical barriers to trade enquiry point.
Visit SAZ (opens in a new tab)Source: SAZ, standards information, current page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Statutory minerals marketer
MMCZ
Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe
Markets minerals produced in Zimbabwe except gold and silver, clears their export and consolidates cargo for small-scale miners.
Visit MMCZ (opens in a new tab)Source: MMCZ, marketing services, current page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Show 3 more organizations
- Meet requirements
Environmental regulator
EMA
Environmental Management Agency
Runs environmental licensing, including online licensing, and impact assessment.
Visit EMA (opens in a new tab)Source: EMA home page, current page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Meet requirements
Energy regulator
ZERA
Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority
Regulates electricity, petroleum and LPG, lists licensees and publishes current fuel prices.
Visit ZERA (opens in a new tab)Source: ZERA home page, current page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Meet requirements
Agricultural market regulator
AMA
Agricultural Marketing Authority
Regulates agricultural marketing and registers market participants.
Visit AMA (opens in a new tab)Source: AMA home page, current page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Chambers and industry associations
- Get advice
Horticulture industry association
HDC
Horticultural Development Council of Zimbabwe
Serves horticulture exporters and publishes a catalog of trade members.
Visit HDC (opens in a new tab)Source: HDC home page, current page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Get advice
Manufacturers' association
CZI
Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries
Represents manufacturers and publishes economic research.
Visit CZI (opens in a new tab)Source: CZI home page, current page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Show 3 more organizations
- Get advice
Mining industry association
Chamber of Mines
Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe
Represents mining companies that are its members.
Visit Chamber of Mines (opens in a new tab)Source: Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe home page, current page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Get advice
Small-enterprise membership body
SME Association
SME Association of Zimbabwe
Offers networking and training to small and medium enterprises.
Visit SME Association (opens in a new tab)Source: SME Association of Zimbabwe home page, current page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Get advice
Small-scale mining federation
Miners Federation
Zimbabwe Miners Federation
Represents artisanal and small-scale miners and offers training, market linkages and advocacy.
Visit Miners Federation (opens in a new tab)Source: Zimbabwe Miners Federation home page, current page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
6. Worth knowing
China phytosanitary protocols
Zimbabwe has product-specific protocols with China for blueberries, citrus, macadamia and avocados, each setting phytosanitary requirements.
What to do: Check the protocol for your product before you prepare a shipment to China.
Source: ZimTrade, Trade Agreements Guide, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Currency and settlement
The IMF calls the monetary system highly dollarized, with the ZiG about 17 percent of monetary aggregates; ZiG inflation was 4.3 percent in October 2026.
What to do: Agree the invoice currency, settlement bank and conversion basis in writing before you contract.
Sources: IMF, Zimbabwe 2025 Article IV staff report, October 2025 (opens in a new tab); ZIMSTAT, ZiG consumer price index, October 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Climate and water
Agriculture is 17 percent of GDP and 40 percent of exports, and rain-fed systems are exposed to droughts linked to El Niño, says the World Bank.
What to do: Prepare for drought with more than one source of supply, and check insurance cover.
Source: World Bank, Zimbabwe Economic Update, January 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
7. How Promote:Global helps
- Compare potential export marketsSee which markets import what you sell, ranked on public trade data, and read each country before you commit.
- Check duties and document requirementsCheck the duty, the origin conditions for a preferential rate and the documents a shipment needs.
- Find advisors and service firmsAsk an advisory firm a scoped, paid question, or browse firms that list their own services, from legal work to logistics.
- Organize your next stepsKeep each product and market in a project, with a roadmap of steps you work through.
Turn this guide into your Zimbabwe project.
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Promote:Zimbabwe is an independent guide by Promote:Global, not an official government portal. The organizations named here are independent public and membership bodies, not Promote:Global partners, and every link goes to their own site.
Facts read from public sources, with an editorial cut-off of October 31, 2026. Nothing here is investment, legal, tax or sanctions advice. Check current status with the organization before you rely on it.