Zimbabwe and South Africa Recorded Trade Figures in 2025
The nations strengthened their agricultural trade ties during a period of significant regional export activity.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Organic Food
Live Poll
Do you believe trade agreements between neighboring countries help improve your local community's economy?
Data from 2025 showed that Zimbabwe accounted for 8% of South African fruit and vegetable exports. During the same year, South Africa purchased 12% of Zimbabwean agricultural products, valued at $202 million.
Why it matters
Understanding these trade volumes highlights the deep economic integration between Southern African Development Community members. The agricultural sector remains a vital economic engine, contributing 9.5% to Zimbabwe's total GDP.
In 2025, Zimbabwe exported $1.6 billion in agricultural products, while the Netherlands received 36% to 40% of all South African agricultural exports. This data establishes the current scale of trade across these specific international markets.
The players
Southern African Development Community
This is an inter-governmental organization headquartered in Botswana that promotes regional economic integration and cooperation among its member states.
The details
South Africa maintains a robust trade relationship with Zimbabwe, exporting items such as maize, soybeans, wheat, and animal feed. Meanwhile, Zimbabwean producers supply nuts, tea, spices, and tobacco to diverse global markets including Mozambique, Belgium, and the United Arab Emirates.
Timeline
In 2025, Zimbabwe and South Africa trade volumes were recorded.
On 21 August 2026, the South Africa-Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission Business Forum occurred.
Roadmap
The 2025 trade figures follow the pattern of regional economic integration and cooperation set by the Southern African Development Community trade protocols. This partnership highlights the ongoing move toward increased regional self-sufficiency in food production and technology sharing.
These trade volumes impact the availability and pricing of essential food items like maize, wheat, and preserved vegetables for regional consumers. As both nations investigate deeper cooperation in agro-processing, residents may see shifts in the variety of available imported goods.
The takeaway
The data underscores the necessity of inter-regional trade for maintaining stable food supplies and economic health. Strengthening these ties allows member nations to better manage their agricultural output and meet domestic consumer demands.
Further reading
Learn more about Organic Food and how global agricultural markets are shifting.
Live Poll
Do you believe trade agreements between neighboring countries help improve your local community's economy?
