/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

The Department of Trade & Industry (the dti) notes with concern the range of trade restrictive measures that the government of Zimbabwe has introduced. These measures include import bans, surcharges, increases in import duties, requirements for import permits and other forms of restrictions that have negative implications on intra-regional trade.

The position of the government of Zimbabwe is that these trade restrictions are necessary to support the development of local industries and to relieve the pressure of economic sanctions, which have led to balance of payments challenges.

The recent ban of imports or requirement for import permits in a number of products  such as  cosmetics, cereals, coffee creamer, mayonnaise, cheese, canned fruits and vegetables, second hand tyres, iron and steel products, furniture and woven cotton fabrics June 2016 by Zimbabwe is in addition to these previously instituted measures. The adverse impact on South African exporters cannot be underestimated and the dti continues to be responsive to affected exporters and to make representations to the government of Zimbabwe.

At the recent meeting of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Committee of Trade Ministers South Africa and Zimbabwe were requested to report to SADC on the implications of these measures for the coherence of the SADC Trade Protocol

On behalf of the South African government, Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies has been engaging the Zimbabwean government bilaterally and through the SADC structures to find an amicable solution that is in accordance with Zimbabwe’s obligations of the SADC Protocol on Trade, while at the same time being sensitive to Zimbabwe’s industrial development and balance of payments challenges.

Issued by Department of Trade and Industry