HARARE – At a time when Zimbabwe is contemplating the suspension of tariffs on goods imported from the United States, the US trade court on Wednesday blocked most of President Donald Trump’s across-the-board tariffs, citing that the President overstepped his authority.
As of April 5, 2025, the US implemented a 10% baseline tariff on all imports. This was closely followed by the imposition of “reciprocal” tariffs on specific Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states, effective April 9, 2025.
These reciprocal tariffs, ranging from 10% to 50%, are set to significantly affect key export sectors for most SADC members, including textiles and clothing.
This effectively negates the advantages many countries previously enjoyed under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
SADC noted the disproportionate impact these tariffs will have on its member states. For instance, Lesotho faces a 50% tariff, and Madagascar a 47% tariff.
Other nations like Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe also confront substantial tariffs, with Zimbabwean goods specifically subjected to an 18% tariff. Seychelles, however, remains exempt from these new duties.
To try and counter Trump’s decision and gain favour, President Emmerson Mnangagwa stated in April that the plan to suspend tariffs on US goods was intended to build a “positive relationship” with the Trump administration and to “facilitate the expansion of American imports within the Zimbabwean market, while simultaneously promoting the growth of Zimbabwean exports destined for the United States.”
The US Court of International Trade’s sweeping ruling on Wednesday found that President Trump’s blanket duties, rooted in the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), were impermissible as the US Constitution grants Congress exclusive authority to regulate commerce.
The court issued a permanent injunction on these orders, though the Trump administration has already filed a notice of appeal. The ruling did not affect industry-specific tariffs on goods like automobiles, steel, and aluminum, which were imposed under a different statute.
Zimbabwe has historically faced strained diplomatic relations with the U.S. due to a controversial land policy adopted approximately 25 years ago and concerns over its human rights record.
Trade between the two nations was limited, totaling US$111.6 million in 2024, with US exports to Zimbabwe at US$43.8 million and imports from Zimbabwe at US$67.8 million.
While the U.S. Biden administration scrapped broader sanctions on Zimbabwe in 2024, it replaced them with targeted sanctions on 11 individuals, including President Mnangagwa, for alleged “democratic backsliding, human rights abuses, and government corruption.”
Mnangagwa has consistently denied these allegations.
In announcing his decision to waive tariffs on US imports, Mnangagwa emphasised Zimbabwe’s focus on “fostering amicable relations with all nations, and cultivating adversarial relationships with none.”
He added that this action “underscores our commitment to a framework of equitable trade and enhanced bilateral cooperation.”
