Zimbabwe’s maize import volumes fall 37% on stronger 2025 harvest: ZimStat
Zimbabwe cut maize imports 37% in 2025 to 947,100 tonnes after a strong domestic harvest improved supply. Higher production eased foreign currency pressure despite elevated global prices. Maize output nearly tripled to 1.82 million tonnes, though it still remains below national demand.
ZIMBABWE – Zimbabwe sharply reduced its maize imports in 2025 after a strong domestic harvest improved local supply, easing pressure on scarce foreign currency reserves despite higher global grain prices.
Official figures from the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat) show maize imports fell by 37 percent in the 10 months to November, declining to about 947,100 tonnes from 1.5 million tonnes imported over the same period in 2024.
The reduction of roughly 563,000 tonnes reflects a recovery in agricultural output following the drought-hit 2023/24 season.
The Ministry of Agriculture attributes the increased production to favourable weather conditions, particularly improved rainfall in the latter half of the season, alongside an expansion in the area planted.
Government-backed input support programmes and policy interventions also played a role in restoring farmer confidence after consecutive seasons of weather-related stress.
Import patterns underscore the impact of improved domestic supply. Most maize imports were concentrated in the first three months of 2025, ahead of the main harvest, and later in October and November.
During the remaining six months, imports averaged around 44,000 tonnes per month, indicating a sustained slowdown as locally produced maize entered the market.
In value terms, Zimbabwe spent about US$ 500.4 million on maize imports during the period, US$ 10.4 million less than in 2024.
The relatively modest decline in the import bill, despite a sharp fall in volumes, was driven by higher global maize prices.
In February 2025, white maize spot prices surged to US$ 355.88 per tonne, supported by tight physical supplies and increased trading activity near the close of contract months.
Economist Mr Tinevimbo Shava said the reduction in import volumes still translated into meaningful foreign currency savings.
“If the country had imported the same quantities as in 2024, the foreign currency outflow would have been far higher given the price environment in 2025,” he said.
He added that improved domestic production helped cushion the economy from external market shocks at a time of elevated global grain prices.
ZimStat data shows maize production reached about 1.82 million tonnes in the 2024/25 season, nearly triple the 635,000 tonnes recorded the previous year. Communal farming areas accounted for 794,105 tonnes, representing 44 percent of national output, with Mashonaland West emerging as the largest producing province.
Despite the recovery, output remains below Zimbabwe’s estimated annual maize demand of around 2 million tonnes.
As a result, millers and stockfeed manufacturers have applied for permits to import 266,000 tonnes, according to the Agricultural Marketing Authority.
Agronomist Ms Pamela Macheka said future production gains must focus on productivity rather than further expansion of cultivated land.
“Improving yields per hectare through better agronomic practices is key to sustaining production and reducing imports,” she said.
Looking ahead, the Government has introduced measures aimed at strengthening local value chains, including minimum local sourcing thresholds for processors from 2026.
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Source : Milling MEA
