THE United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as Zimbabwe’s top export destination, accounting for 40.5% of the country’s exports in June 2026.
The latest Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) monthly report shows the UAE has overtaken traditional export markets such as South Africa and China.
“During the period under review, the United Arab Emirates was Zimbabwe’s top export destination, absorbing 40.5% of exports, followed by South Africa 30.7% and China 21.1%. Together, these three markets accounted for 92.3% of the country’s exports,” the RBZ report said.
ComTrade data shows that Zimbabwean exports to the UAE have risen steadily, increasing from below US$525 million in 2017 to US$2.62 billion in 2024.
Zimbabwe exports a range of commodities to the UAE, including tobacco, sulphur, cement, precious metals, raw hides and skins.
The growing trade relationship comes as the two countries move to further deepen their economic ties, with negotiations on a landmark Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) expected to be concluded in the coming weeks.
The agreement is expected to provide a stronger framework for expanding trade, investment and market access between Zimbabwe and the UAE.
UAE Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan recently paid a courtesy call on President Emmerson Mnangagwa at State House in Harare, where the two sides discussed ways of deepening economic and diplomatic relations.
The latest trade figures underline the UAE’s growing role in Zimbabwe’s external trade, particularly at a time when the Government is seeking to diversify export markets and attract investment.
While the UAE dominated Zimbabwe’s export market, South Africa remained the country’s leading source of imports during June 2026.
According to the RBZ, South Africa accounted for 30.6% of imports, followed by China at 17.8%, Hong Kong at 10.4%, Bahrain at 5.9% and Mozambique at 4.8%.
The remaining imports originated from the Bahamas, the United Kingdom, Zambia, Mauritius, the United Arab Emirates and a range of other markets.
The figures highlight the continued importance of regional and international trading partners to Zimbabwe’s economy, while the rapid growth in exports to the UAE points to a shifting pattern in the country’s external trade.
