BULAWAYO – The Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat) has defended its decision to revise February 2026 trade figures from a surplus of US$46.5 million to a deficit of US$89.7 million, saying the changes followed the receipt of updated export data after the initial publication.

The initial February 2026 External Trade Statistics released by ZimStat in March showed exports of US$697.8 million against imports of US$651.3 million, resulting in a trade surplus of US$46.5 million.

However, in a clarification issued on Monday, the agency said updated administrative export data received after publication showed that export earnings had been overstated, forcing a downward revision that pushed the country into a deficit position.

“The revision followed the incorporation of updated and more complete administrative export data received after the initial publication of the February 2026 estimates,” ZimStat said.

“Consequently, export values were revised downward, resulting in the overall trade balance shifting from a surplus to a deficit position.”

The revised figures now place Zimbabwe’s February trade deficit at US$89.7 million, a dramatic swing of more than US$136 million from the originally published position.

The revision has sparked public debate after the original figures were widely cited as evidence of improved export performance and a narrowing trade gap.

ZimStat said revisions to trade statistics were a normal international practice and were necessary to improve the accuracy and reliability of official data.

“The revision of trade statistics is a normal and internationally accepted outcome of the data compilation, verification, and validation process in external trade statistics,” the agency said.

It added that the process was guided by international standards, including the International Merchandise Trade Statistics: Concepts and Definitions 2010 (IMTS 2010) and the Balance of Payments and International Investment Position Manual, Sixth Edition (BPM6).

ZimStat director-general Tafadzwa Bandama said the agency remained committed to producing “credible, reliable, transparent” statistics aligned with international best practices.

The sharp swing from surplus to deficit comes at a time Zimbabwe is battling foreign currency shortages, weak export growth, and rising import demand driven by industry and consumer goods.

Zimbabwe has historically run trade deficits, with imports of fuel, machinery, electricity, and raw materials often outstripping export earnings.