Zimbabwean manufacturers are increasingly struggling to secure key raw materials on time, as escalating tensions in the Iran–Israel–USA conflict ripple through global supply chains, a new survey by the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) shows.
The rapid survey, conducted in March, found that “over half of the firms (56.1 percent) report experiencing supply chain disruptions mainly due to delays in delivery of raw materials,” underscoring the severity of the crisis for local industry.
CZI said the disruptions were being driven by instability in global shipping routes and rising geopolitical uncertainty, which are slowing the movement of goods and increasing costs.
“Supply chains have been disrupted due to insecurity in major trade routes and shortages of critical inputs, forcing businesses to delay operations and rethink sourcing strategies,” the industry representative body noted.
Manufacturers, who rely heavily on imported inputs, appear particularly exposed.
While all sectors reported some level of disruption, the survey highlights that production-based industries are facing a combination of delayed inputs and rising costs, creating a double squeeze on operations.
“Businesses are facing supply disruptions, higher distribution and shipping costs, increased prices for raw materials… and delays in the delivery of essential inputs,” CZI said.
The knock-on effects are already visible.
According to the survey, delays in raw materials are “likely to affect the availability and timely delivery of raw materials and finished goods, leading to production delays and increased operational uncertainty.”
Industry players warn that such uncertainty is making it difficult to plan production cycles or meet customer demand.
“As supply chains become less reliable, firms may be forced to seek alternative suppliers, hold higher inventory levels, or absorb additional costs,” the report stated, adding that this ultimately “reduces efficiency and profitability.”
The broader context is a sharp rise in global energy and transport costs linked to the conflict. CZI noted that key shipping corridors, particularly those linked to Middle Eastern oil flows, have been disrupted, pushing up logistics costs and further delaying shipments.
“The Iran–Israel–USA conflict has created significant disruptions for businesses worldwide, highlighting the deep interconnection between geopolitics and the global economy,” the report said.
With 99% of surveyed firms reporting some level of impact, manufacturers are now bracing for prolonged disruption. Many are expected to adjust sourcing strategies, but options remain limited in a tightly interconnected global supply system. – The MarketsLedger