Capacity utilisation in the manufacturing sector is dropping by 30%, it has emerged.

This was revealed by CZI Matabeleland Chamber President Mr Robert Chawira who said the manufacturing industry this year suffered a number of constraints which have eroded the previous year’s gains.

Mr Chawira was quoted by the state media saying: “We are this year forecasting at around 30 percent, which is down from about 48 to 50 percent, which was last measured in January.

“We also have a challenge of unnecessary importation of goods and services consuming 82 percent of our import expenditure.

“With these factors there is no doubt that our industry is faced with many challenges as our country is in a deep economic decline. These factors, while they are many, they differ in a way they have affected business.”