Zimbabwe introduced a National Trade Tariff Policy to reform import duty management and boost industrial growth. Competition and Tariff Commission official Cicilia Mashava presented the framework at a Harare workshop, emphasizing transparent and predictable tariff structures. The policy addresses past distortions where raw materials faced higher duties than finished products, which increased manufacturing costs.
The framework proposes lower tariffs on raw inputs, but higher rates on finished goods to encourage domestic value addition. Officials plan a standalone Tariff Act to strengthen legal foundations, and five-year review cycles for global alignment. The policy balances regional trade commitments under AfCFTA, COMESA, and SADC with domestic industry protection.
A National Trade Tariff Technical Committee will oversee implementation under Industry Ministry leadership. The policy supports Vision 2030 goals for upper-middle-income status through competitive manufacturing sectors.
The framework proposes lower tariffs on raw inputs, but higher rates on finished goods to encourage domestic value addition. Officials plan a standalone Tariff Act to strengthen legal foundations, and five-year review cycles for global alignment. The policy balances regional trade commitments under AfCFTA, COMESA, and SADC with domestic industry protection.
A National Trade Tariff Technical Committee will oversee implementation under Industry Ministry leadership. The policy supports Vision 2030 goals for upper-middle-income status through competitive manufacturing sectors.
