Zimbabwe cotton exports soar 204% in Q1

Zimbabwe's cotton product exports skyrocketed 204 per cent in the first quarter of 2024 compared to 2023, highlighting the success of value addition. However, industry leaders urge a focus on high-quality cotton production to maximize profits. While raw cotton exports increased, they fetched lower prices compared to value-added products like shirts. This indicates a missed opportunity for Zimbabwe, which could have earned more and created jobs by processing cotton domestically.

Experts call for a return to producing Grade A cotton lint, which commands premium prices. Currently, lower grade cotton dominates Zimbabwe's production. Upgrading cotton quality would allow manufacturing finer yarn for high-value clothing like shirts.

The Zimbabwe Textiles Manufacturers Association (ZTMA) emphasizes reviving past practices that produced top-grade cotton. They also suggest targeting the lucrative linen and towel markets, currently dominated by Egypt.

Investing in infrastructure and equipment upgrades is crucial for industry growth. The Zimbabwe Textile Workers Union (ZTWU) highlights the decline in textile industry employment, from 24,000 to 3,500, due partly to reliance on raw cotton exports.

The government's introduction of a grade-based pricing system in 2023 is a positive step towards quality improvement. Negotiations for the 2024 season's prices are ongoing. In conclusion, Zimbabwe's cotton industry shows promise with its export surge. However, focusing on value addition through high-quality cotton production is essential to maximize profits, create jobs, and revive the textile sector.