The United States government is currently reviewing a formal proposal from Zimbabwe aimed at establishing a more balanced and reciprocal trade relationship by reducing tariffs between the two countries. The development marks a key moment in bilateral economic diplomacy, with both nations exploring the potential for a fairer trade framework.

In April, Zimbabwe initiated direct negotiations with Washington, seeking a reduction in the 18 percent tariff imposed on its exports to the US. The country's Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube, led the talks during his visit to Washington for the 2025 International Monetary Fund and World Bank Spring Meetings. He engaged both US Treasury officials and lawmakers on Capitol Hill in a bid to improve Zimbabwe's export competitiveness.

Following the talks, Washington agreed to pause the 18 percent tariff for 90 days, pending further negotiations.

US Ambassador to Zimbabwe Pamela Tremont confirmed that the US government is now assessing Zimbabwe's proposal. "We have received an offer from the Government of Zimbabwe on how to come to a deal that will benefit both of us," she said in an interview with The Sunday Mail. "We are exploring exactly the details of that deal so that we can hopefully find a more even-handed solution for both of us."

Ambassador Tremont explained that the US is seeking to establish more equitable trade relations globally, after years of offering preferential access to its markets without receiving similar terms in return. "The US has had one of the most open economies in the world," she said. "So, under President Trump, he is trying to level that playing field and make it a little bit more fair. And so, at the moment, the 18 percent is paused."

She noted, however, that tariffs are only one part of the broader cost of trade. "In Zimbabwe, to import a vehicle involves import charges, surcharges, tariffs, taxes and duties. It can add up to 60 percent of the purchase price," she said. "By that standard, even 18 percent is quite a generous offer. So, we need to have discussions about how we can make that more reciprocal."

Although trade between Zimbabwe and the United States remains relatively modest - totalling approximately US$112 million in 2024 - Ambassador Tremont said there is considerable potential for growth. The US mainly imports agricultural goods and ferroalloys from Zimbabwe, while Zimbabwe imports machinery and some processed foods from the US.

"Unfortunately, the trade volume isn't very large," she said. "But the good news is that it means there is a lot of room for growth. There are many opportunities for other trade and investment in such a small number."

Ambassador Tremont cautioned that any final agreement is unlikely to be reached within the current 90-day window due to the complexity of trade talks and the number of countries simultaneously seeking similar deals. "There is a long line of countries that have made offers, and so it's going to take some time for us to really dig into the details," she said. "I think that 90 days will probably expire before we come to an agreement with Zimbabwe."

She added that while Washington is open to further discussions, the global scope of ongoing trade negotiations presents challenges. "Anybody who knows anything about trade negotiations knows they don't happen overnight," she said. "And when you're trying to do it with 100 countries all at once, there is a bit of a backlog."

President Trump's administration announced a temporary pause on selected new reciprocal tariffs on April 9. However, a baseline 10 percent tariff introduced earlier that month remains in force for goods from all trading partners, including Zimbabwe. by Staff reporter, Bulawayo 24 News