Pretoria - The Department of Trade and Industry (dti) has expressed concern about the latest trade restrictive measures introduced by the government of Zimbabwe, saying it will have an adverse impact on South Africa.
These measures introduced by the landlocked country include import bans, surcharges, increases in import duties and requirements for import permits, among others.
“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,” said the dti’s Sidwell Medupe on Sunday.
The recent ban of imports or requirement by Zimbabwe for import permits in a number of products such as cosmetics, cereals, coffee creamer and canned fruits and vegetables, among others, in June 2016, 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,” said Medupe.
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, 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. – SAnews.gov.za
