April sees decline in export earnings

THE country’s export earnings declined by 3,6 percent in April to US$515,5 million from US$534,7 million recorded in March, according to the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat).

Despite a 3,6 percent decrease in export earnings in April 2024, Zimbabwe’s industrial supplies remained the top export category, making up 84,3 percent of goods exported.

Nickel mattes, semi-manufactured gold and nickel ores and concentrates were among the top 10 export products.

Major export destinations included South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, and Mozambique, accounting for 80 percent of the total export value.

“The total value of exported goods in April 2024 was US$515,5million, representing a 3,6 percent decrease from US$534,7 million reported in March 2024,” said ZimStat.

“Among the country’s major export destinations in April 2024 were South Africa (46 percent), United Arab Emirates (22 percent) and Mozambique (11 percent).

The three countries accounted for around 80 percent of the total export value of US$515,5 million.

ZimStat said imports for April amounted to US$772,4 million, an increase of 7,1 percent from US$721 million recorded in March.

It said 30,4 percent of the goods imported in April comprised industrial supplies, followed by the capital goods category, which accounted for 17,6 percent.

“Mineral fuels and mineral oil products constitute 19 percent of the imports, machinery and mechanical appliances (12,9 percent), vehicles (11,5 percent) and cereals (8,3 percent) were among the top 10 products imported in the same month.Among the major source countries for imports in April 2024 were South Africa (42 percent), China (16 percent), and Bahamas (9 percent),” said ZimStat.

The three countries accounted for around 67 percent of the total import value of US$772,4 million. –chronicle