Tesco cuts all trade links with Zimbabwe

TESCO has cut all trade ties with Zimbabwe, seeing it stop sourcing produce from the country and removing exisiting stock from its shelves.

The move comes after Robert Mugabe was sworn in as Zimbabwean President this week amid fierce criticism from the international community.

The company said the political situation in Zimbabwe can no longer be ignored and following pressure from consumers and politicians, actions were needed to 'maximise the pressure for change'.

In a statement, the company said: “The amount of produce Tesco sources from Zimbabwe - worth around £1 million per year - is insignificant in terms of global trade and influence.

“However, in the current circumstances, we have decided to stop sourcing any products from Zimbabwe as long as the political crisis persists in that country.”

The move came as a surprise, announced just days after the company said it would be 'irresponsible' to withdraw trade as it would effect thousands of farmers who depended on its business.