Zim specialist records buoyant export growth

CRIPPLING FOREIGN currency shortages aside, export volume growth into crisis ridden Zimbabwe continues to thrive with new highs for a Johannesburg-based transporter and forwarder. Zimbabwe’s national requirement of US$4.5bn in foreign currency has been left hanging, with only US$1.5bn generated each year, according to Zimbabwean Minister of Economic development Sylvester Nguni. Despite the economy performing below 30% efficiency, northbound consignments from South Africa have blossomed. “Northbound volumes are at their best in nine years, though the southbound route has experienced reduced volumes of Zimbabwean exports,” says Mark Green of Leo Shipping Services. Access to foreign exchange plays a key role in influencing trade with South Africa, with revisions to the Zimbabwean currency valuation and increased duties for imported goods acting as hindrances to greater growth, explains Green. “Border delays are our biggest operational problem, but we have made greater efforts in recent months to ensure that the Zimbabwean importer or clearing agent has the required import documentation so that duties are in place prior to despatching cargoes from Johannesburg.” Consolidations are currently experiencing a three to four day clearing delay at the borders, while rising diesel prices in both countries have negatively affected road transport costs into the country.. Fuel in Zimbabwe is a wholly imported commodity, and according to Nguni the country requires 300m litres of diesel and 100m litres of petrol per day, and at best the National Oil Company of Zimbabwe can only supply a third of that. But Green is optimistic about the outlook for his company. “We are confident that our consolidation loads will increase from the current two to three per week as more and more smaller orders and consignments are placed on SA exporters by the Zim buyers.” The company recently purchased a new 10 tonner closed van body truck and intends to add a further 1-2 similar vehicles in coming months.