Imports into Zimbabwe come mostly from South Africa, Botswana, Zambia and China as the country’s economy continues to slow down.
President Robert Mugabe has, however, gone on to restrict imports of basic goods and products and this has prompted Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies to seek dialogue with Zimbabwe over the restrictions. “The minister is engaging through SADC structures and in his capacity with his counterparts.
“Engagements are still at an early stage. We hope that an amicable solution will be found,” Bloomberg quoted Sidwell Medupe, a Department of Trade and Industry spokesman, as saying on July 11.
The country’s industry minister, Mike Bimha, said that the import restrictions would be reviewed, although at the moment “there is no room for reversing” the new measures.
Supports
“It will take long to valuate the impact of the new measures; we still have to give time to roll out. The private sector has been calling for this for a long time and how can you have a rethink when you have come up with a policy that supports your industry,” Bimha said.
But Zimbabwe has softened on the new regulations. Bimha said the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority had lifted the restrictions on some products such as canned fruits and vegetables, as well as dairy products, among others.
Economists and protest organisers in Zimbabwe say the new import policy will lead to shortages in the country. They also argue that local products are more expensive compared to those imported from countries such as South Africa.
