Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has announced that he will withdraw all tariffs on US products in order to build a mutually beneficial relationship, following Donald Trump's decision to impose new tariffs of 18% on Zimbabwean exports.

The measure, he explained, is intended to facilitate the expansion of US imports into the Zimbabwean market, "while at the same time promoting the growth of Zimbabwean exports to the US," he said, quoted by international media.

"This action underlines our commitment to a fair trade framework and enhanced bilateral cooperation," said Zimbabwe's head of state.

Mnangagwa also stressed that, although the principle of reciprocal customs duties as an instrument to protect employment and national industrial sectors "is valid", Zimbabwe will opt for a policy of "friendly relations" with all nations.

"This action underlines our commitment to a fair trade framework and strengthened bilateral cooperation," he added, as quoted by Noticias ao Minuto.

The African countries for which Trump announced tariffs also include Lesotho (50%), Madagascar (47%), Angola (32%), South Africa (31%), Namibia (21%), Zambia (17%), Mozambique (16%), Nigeria (14%), Equatorial Guinea (13%), the Democratic Republic of Congo (11%) and Cameroon (11%).