Source: ‘New Trade Tariff Policy to propel industrialisation’ – herald
Nqobile Bhebhe
Zimpapers Business Hub
THE proposed new National Trade Tariff Policy is expected to be a game-changer for Zimbabwe’s industrialisation agenda, offering a robust legal framework to support strategic policy interventions to accelerate economic growth and attract local and international investment.
This was revealed during the National Trade Tariff Validation Workshop hosted by the Competition and Tariff Commission (CTC) in Bulawayo on Tuesday, held under the theme “Harnessing Trade Tariff Policy for Industrialisation”.
Speaking at the workshop, CTC assistant director for tariffs Ms Cecelia Mashava said the new National Trade Tariff Policy would provide a structured, transparent and predictable tariff system designed to protect domestic industries while ensuring compliance with regional and international trade obligations.
“It is important for us as a country to have a National Trade Tariff Policy and it comes at a time when the Government has crafted policies that are growing the economy,” she said.
The legislation is expected to empower the designated investigating authority to probe unfair trade practices, administer tariff-related matters more effectively and provide technical support to defend Zimbabwe’s interests during international trade negotiations.
“The role of tariff policy also provides a structured framework to protect, nurture and grow domestic industries while balancing trade commitments,” she added.
Among its provisions, the Act will rationalise Zimbabwe’s tariff structure and introduce a comprehensive tariff review every five years to ensure alignment with evolving economic realities and global trade standards.
By laying a strong legal foundation, the Trade Tariff Policy is set to enhance policy predictability, stimulate domestic production, and promote industrial competitiveness, reinforcing Zimbabwe’s drive towards a resilient, export-led economy.
The initiative is part of the Zimbabwe Industrial Reconstruction and Growth Plan (2024-2025) resolutions.
The Second Republic has underscored its commitment to providing policy support that integrates the national economy more competitively into regional and global markets such as the African Continental Free Trade Area, Southern African Development Community and Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa.
Experts have stressed the importance of striking the right balance between industry support and consumer welfare.
Ms Mashava further explained the importance of tariff liberalisation under international trade agreements.
“We are signing trade agreements so that we have market access, so that we can import our raw materials duty-free.
“Because with trade agreements, we will be liberalising tariffs and usually when we are signing these agreements, we liberalise tariffs for raw materials that are not sensitive to us.
“And for sensitive tariffs, usually we are allowed to impose duties. And also, we usually have an exclusive list.
“For example, under the African Continental Free Trade Area, we have an exclusion list where we will not remove tariffs.
“But in terms of this policy, we are saying the Government of Zimbabwe should adequately cover trade remedies. If there are any unfair trade practices, namely dumping of products or subsidised exports, we can harm our domestic industry.”
Stakeholders welcomed the development, highlighting the need to protect local producers while enabling competitiveness.
Bulawayo Vendors and Traders Association executive director, Mr Michael Ndiweni, said the policy drive is a strategic development for the country.
“This is a welcome development to congregate stakeholders, including MSMEs, to input into the tariff policy development for our country. For us, really, the issue is that the new policy must ensure that it avoids undercutting local MSMEs.
It must protect local SMEs by ensuring that whatever we import is also able to oil our production in the country.”
Mr Ndiweni emphasised the importance of shielding domestic industries from being flooded by cheap imports.
“We need a tariff policy that will ensure that we protect our local producers. Otherwise, it will be a dumping site for every person who thinks of bringing goods to Zimbabwe.
“So, we think that as we develop this policy, let’s have that balance, the balance of avoiding undercutting our MSMEs by dumping foreign products.”
Economist Mr Stevenson Dlamini described the proposed Act as a key economic compass.
“So when we are looking at this policy, essentially it is the gyroscope that will hold the ship steady and chart a clear way towards an industrialised, empowered and prosperous nation.
“Firstly, the proposed Act harmonises the trade policy with the existing national development policies such as the current NDS-1 and the upcoming NDS-2, as well as the ZINDP-2 that the Industry and Commerce ministry is steering.
“This creates policy credibility. This creates credibility not only in the local markets but also signals to the international world that Zimbabwe is committed to a predictable, transparent and aligned policy with the regional trade policy.”
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