HARARE – Zimbabwe’s Competition and Tariff Commission has launched a safeguard investigation into pasta imports after shipments increased 17.4 percent last year amid claims they are hurting the country’s sole known domestic producer.

According to a notice published in the Government Gazette on Friday, pasta imports increased from approximately 49.5 million kilogrammes in 2024 to 58.1 million kilogrammes in 2025.

The investigation follows an application by National Foods Limited, which began producing pasta locally in February 2024 after previously importing the product.

“The applicant alleges that pasta products are being imported into Zimbabwe in such increased quantities, in absolute terms and relative to domestic production, and under such conditions as to cause serious injury to the domestic industry producing like or directly competitive products,” the commission said.

Imported pasta accounted for approximately 88 percent of the domestic market in 2024 and 87 percent in 2025, according to the commission.

Imports were equivalent to 6.7 times domestic production in 2024 and seven times local output in 2025.

The commission’s preliminary price comparison also found imported pasta was priced below locally produced products, with price undercutting of up to 17.8 percent.

National Foods says increased imports have contributed to deteriorating financial performance and mounting losses.

However, the commission noted that production, sales, capacity utilisation, productivity and market share improved during the period under review. It also said start-up and expansion costs associated with National Foods’ move from importing to domestic production could have contributed to its financial performance.

“The Commission recognises that factors other than increased imports may have contributed to the condition of the domestic industry,” it said.

National Foods has requested a provisional safeguard measure while the investigation continues. The commission said it is considering whether circumstances exist in which delaying such a measure could cause damage that would be difficult to repair.

The investigation covers February 2024 to December 2025 and should be completed within six months, with provision for a single extension of up to two months.

The commission has invited domestic producers, importers, exporters, foreign producers, exporting-country governments, trade associations and other interested organisations or individuals to participate.

“Interested parties desiring to participate in the investigation are invited to indicate to the Commission, in writing, of their interest to participate in the investigation, within 30 days from the date of initiation of this investigation,” the notice said.

Interested parties may also submit written evidence and arguments, including views on whether imposing a safeguard measure would be in the public interest.