• Export sales surged 139% in the first five months of 2026 ,increasing their contribution to group turnover to 6% from 4% a year earlier
• Sales volumes rose 26%, production increased 28%, and revenue grew 23%
• Improved power supply and targeted capacity investments are supporting higher utilisation rates, although liquidity constraints and rising raw-material costs remain key challenge

Harare - Proplastics Limited, the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange-listed manufacturer of plastic piping systems that underpin water infrastructure, sanitation, irrigation, and construction across Zimbabwe, has recorded a sharp acceleration in export activity and domestic demand, with export sales surging 139% year-on-year in the first five months of 2026 and sales volumes rising 26%, positioning the company for a materially stronger first-half financial performance.

Exports contributed 6% of group turnover during the period, up from 4% a year earlier, as the company expanded its regional footprint and pursued its target of lifting export revenue to 10% of sales.

The growing export business is strengthening Proplastics’ US dollar earnings base and reducing its reliance on domestic market conditions.

The strong trading momentum was supported by a 28% increase in production and a 23% rise in revenue. Production growth exceeded sales as the company rebuilt strategic inventories and added capacity to meet sustained demand across its core markets.

With 97% of revenue denominated in US dollars and only 3% in ZiG, Proplastics remains largely insulated from currency volatility. However, tight liquidity conditions continue to place pressure on working capital, prompting the company to intensify contract management, accelerate collections, tighten payment terms, and optimise inventory planning to preserve cash generation.

The company said lower inflation, exchange-rate stability, and improved electricity supply created a favourable operating environment during the period.

The company is investing in additional backup generation and new production equipment to support higher utilisation rates through 2026 and into 2027.

Although raw-material costs have risen amid ongoing Middle East tensions, supplies remained uninterrupted during the first five months of the year, with management expecting continuity in the second half.

Looking ahead, the combination of accelerating export growth, higher production volumes, reliable power supply, and targeted capital investment leaves Proplastics on course for a significantly improved first-half performance, provided it maintains disciplined working-capital management and successfully converts sales growth into cash.