HARARE, ZIMBABWE — Hopes for Zimbabwe to secure lower tariffs on its exports to the United States could be dashed due to time constraints, despite a temporary suspension granted by President Donald Trump’s administration.
The US announced a 90-day pause on selected reciprocal tariffs affecting several countries, including Zimbabwe, on April 9, 2025. This came in response to Zimbabwe’s formal request for a more balanced trade arrangement during recent diplomatic efforts led by Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube at the IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington.
However, a baseline 10% tariff introduced earlier on April 5 remains in effect on all Zimbabwean goods. The 18% tariff that had been under review was temporarily lifted—but the clock is ticking, and US officials warn that the window for negotiation is fast closing.
Speaking, US Ambassador to Zimbabwe Pamela Tremont revealed that the limited timeframe is now the biggest obstacle.
“We’re still having conversations,” Ambassador Tremont said. “But the biggest problem is the timeline to negotiate tariffs.”
With trade negotiations involving over 120 countries, Zimbabwe’s case is one of many awaiting attention in Washington. Ambassador Tremont admitted that despite goodwill on both sides, it’s unlikely a deal will be concluded before the 90-day grace period expires.
“Unfortunately, I think that 90 days will probably expire before we come to an agreement with Zimbabwe,” she said. “Trade negotiations don’t happen overnight.”
The negotiations were sparked by Zimbabwe’s push to secure easier access to the US market for its exports—an important step for a country battling foreign currency shortages and seeking to grow its trade revenues.
During his visit to Washington, Professor Ncube met senior officials from the US Treasury and Capitol Hill, presenting a case for reducing trade barriers. He highlighted Zimbabwe’s need for greater export opportunities, especially given its fragile economic environment.
While Zimbabwe argues that the 18% US tariffs are a burden on its exporters, the US has countered with concerns over Zimbabwe’s own tariff structure. Ambassador Tremont pointed to Zimbabwe’s steep import duties, especially on vehicles.
“To import a vehicle here can cost up to 60% on top of the purchase price,” she said. “So by that standard, even 18% on Zimbabwe’s exports to the US could be seen as quite generous.”
Zimbabwe’s high import taxes are viewed by Washington as inconsistent with its plea for easier access to the American market. According to the ambassador, reciprocity in trade is becoming more central to the US strategy under the Trump administration’s “America First” policy, which emphasizes fairness in bilateral trade relationships.
“The US has offered generous access to its markets for decades,” said Tremont. “But now we’re reassessing how to make that relationship more balanced.”
With the deadline for the tariff suspension fast approaching, Zimbabwe risks losing momentum in the talks. A failure to reach a deal before the end of the 90-day period would mean the reinstatement of the 18% tariff—potentially hurting Zimbabwean exporters, particularly in sectors like agriculture, textiles, and minerals.
Still, Washington says it remains open to discussions.
“We’re open to discussions with all countries on how to find a more balanced trade framework,” Tremont said. “But this is a complex issue, and we need time to assess each country’s position thoroughly.”
Despite trade tensions, the US continues to support Zimbabwe through health and humanitarian assistance. Ambassador Tremont confirmed that the US government has allocated US$223 million for these programmes in 2025, including support for HIV/AIDS, maternal health, and emergency relief.
“We’re all in a hurry to make this happen as quickly as possible,” she added. “But there’s a long line of countries that have made offers, and it’s going to take time for us to get to all of them.”
As the tariff talks hang in the balance, both governments face mounting pressure to fast-track negotiations or risk losing a critical opportunity to strengthen bilateral trade ties.
For Zimbabwe, access to the US market under more favourable terms could provide vital relief for its underperforming export sector. However, without a breakthrough soon, the country may have to wait much longer for any meaningful shift in trade dynamics.
