The country recorded a trade deficit of K2.8 billion in March 2023 compared to a surplus of K2.8 billion in February 2023 (see Table 10).

Exports mainly comprising domestically produced goods, decreased by 5.8 percent to K17.0 billion in March 2023 from K18.1 billion in February 2023. This was mainly on account of  8.3  and  5.2 percent decreases in export earnings from intermediate goods and raw materials, respectively (see Table 2.2 in Annex).  

Imports increased by 29.3 percent to K19.8 billion in March 2023 from K15.3 billion in February 2023. This was mainly as a result of 44.3, 23.5, 90.1 and 11.0 percent increases in import bills of, Capital goods, Intermediate goods, Raw Materials and Consumer goods, respectively (see Table 2.2 in Annex)

Table 10: Total Exports, Imports and Trade Balance, Mar. 2023 (K’ Billion)

Source: ZamStats, 2023

Note: These trade data are compiled based on the General Trade System 

Domestic Exports-These are Commodities grown, produced or manufactured locally including commodities imported from foreign countries that have been significantly changed or enhanced in value. Re-Exports=Total Exports-Domestic Exports. (*) Provisional 

Vol-241-of-2023-The-Monthly-April

The overall monthly inflation for April 2023 was recorded at 0.9 percent compared with 1.0 percent in the previous month. This outturn was mainly attributed to price decreases in selected food items (see Figure 3).

Figure 3: Overall Monthly Inflation, April 2022-April 2023

Monthly Inflation Rates for Food and Non-Food Items

Monthly food inflation for April 2023 was recorded at 0.9 percent compared with 1.1 percent in March 2023. This development was mainly attributed to general price movements for Fish (Bukabuka and Dried Kapenta Siavonga ); Fruits (Lemons, Oranges, Water Melon Avocado, Groundnuts); Vegetables (Cassava leaves, Okra, Sweet Potatoes, Chikanda Tubers); Milk Products (Sour milk, Powdered milk, butter ); and Live Chicken.

Monthly non-food inflation for April 2023 was recorded at 1.0 percent compared with 0.9 percent in March 2023. This outturn was mainly attributed to increases in prices of items such as,  Purchase of motor vehicles (Toyota hilux, Nissan Almera, Nissan hardbody, Motor cycle); Dining suite, Carpet, Blanket, Stove/Cooker, Heater 2 bar (see Table 5).

Table 5: Overall Monthly Inflation Rate for Food and Non-Food Items, April 2022-April 2023 (%)

Source: ZamStats, 2023

District Prices for Selected Products, April 2023

The Consumer Price Basket consists of 440 items which are spread across selected outlets in all the 116 districts of Zambia. Over 23,000 price quotations are collected from these outlets between the 1^st and 10^th of every month. The minimum and maximum prices for selected products by district are highlighted in Table 6.

Table 6: District Prices for Selected Products, April 2023

Source: ZamStats, 2023

Read more

• Vol-242-of-2023-The-Monthly-May.pdf
• Vol-241-of-2023-The-Monthly-April.pdf

Annual inflation for April 2023 increased to 10.2 percent from 9.9 percent recorded in March, 2023. This means that on average, prices of goods and services increased by 10.2 percent between April 2022 and April 2023 (see Figure 3). This development was mainly attributed to an increase in prices of selected non-food items.

Figure 1: Annual Inflation Rate, April 2022- April 2023 (%)

Annual Food and Non-Food Inflation

Annual food inflation for April 2023 was recorded at 11.6 percent compared to11.8 percent in the previous month (see Figure 4). This outturn was mainly attributed to price movements in Fish (Frozen fish, Buka buka, Fresh kapenta); Fruit (Lemon, Apple, Avocadoes, Groundnuts); Cooking oil and Live chicken.

The annual non-food inflation for April 2023 increased to 8.3 percent from 7.3 percent in March 2023. This outturn was mainly attributed to increases in prices of non-food items such as Household appliances (Refrigerator, Stove/cooker) and Purchase of Motor vehicles (Toyota Hilux, Nissan ALMERA 1.5 L Acenta MT, Nissan Pick (Nissan Hard body)).

Figure 2: Annual Food and Non-Food Inflation, April 2022-April 2023 (%) 

Read more

• Vol-242-of-2023-The-Monthly-May.pdf
• Vol-241-of-2023-The-Monthly-April.pdf

The country recorded a trade surplus of K2.8 billion in February 2023 compared to a surplus of K6.1 billion in January 2023 (see Table 15).

Exports mainly comprising domestically produced goods, decreased by 13.8 percent to K18.1 billion in February 2023 from K21.0 billion in January 2023. This was mainly on account of a 10.7, 33.0, 22.5 and  47.4 percent decrease in export earnings from Intermediate goods, Raw Materials, Consumer goods and Capital goods, respectively (see Table 2.2 in Annex).  

Imports increased by 2.7 percent to K15.3 billion in February 2023 from K14.9 billion in January 2023. This was mainly as a result of 33.2, 4.0 and 5.3 percent increases in import bills of, Capital goods Consumer goods and Raw Materials, respectively (see Table 2.2 in Annex).

Table 15: Total Exports, Imports and Trade Balance, Feb. 2023 (K’ Billion)

Source: ZamStats, 2023

Note: These trade data are compiled based on the General Trade System 

Domestic Exports-These are Commodities grown, produced or manufactured locally including commodities imported from foreign countries that have been significantly changed or enhanced in value. Re-Exports=Total Exports-Domestic Exports. (*) Provisional 

Read more

• Vol-242-of-2023-The-Monthly-May.pdf
• Vol-241-of-2023-The-Monthly-April.pdf

The overall monthly inflation for March 2023 was recorded at 1.0 percent compared with 1.9 percent in the previous month. This outturn was mainly attributed to price decreases in selected food and non-food items (see Figure 5).

Figure 5: Overall Monthly Inflation, March 2022-March 2023

Monthly Inflation Rates for Food and Non-Food Items

Monthly food inflation for March 2023 was recorded at 1.1 percent compared with 2.0 percent in February 2023. This development was mainly attributed to general price movements for Cereals (Breakfast Mealie Meal, Roller Mealie Meal); Fish (Fresh Kapenta, Dried Kapenta Siavonga and Chisense); Fruits (Lemons, Apples, Pawpaw, Groundnuts); Vegetables (Mushrooms, Pumpkin Leaves, Sweet Potatoes Leaves, Green Beans, Cabbage, Chikanda Tubers).

Monthly non-food inflation for March 2023 was recorded at 0.9 percent compared with 1.9 percent in February 2023. This outturn was mainly attributed to decreases in prices of items such as  Bed and Mattress, Carpet, Spark plugs, Charcoal, Car Tyre-Radial, Engine oil (see Table 10).

Table 10: Overall Monthly Inflation Rate for Food and Non-Food Items, Mar 2022-Mar 2023 (%)

Source: ZamStats, 2023

District Prices for Selected Products, March 2023

The Consumer Price Basket consists of 440 items which are spread across selected outlets in all the 116 districts of Zambia. Over 23,000 price quotations are collected from these outlets between the 1^st and 10^th of every month. The minimum and maximum prices for selected products by district are highlighted in Table 11.

Table 11: District Prices for Selected Products, March 2023

Source: ZamStats, 2023

Read more

• Vol-242-of-2023-The-Monthly-May.pdf
• Vol-241-of-2023-The-Monthly-April.pdf

Annual inflation for March 2023 increased to 9.9 percent from 9.6 percent recorded in February, 2023. This means that on average, prices of goods and services increased by 9.9 percent between March 2022 and March 2023 (see Figure 3). This development was mainly attributed to an increase in prices of selected non-food items.

Figure 3: Annual Inflation Rate, Mar 2022- Mar 2023 (%)

Annual Food and Non-Food Inflation

Annual food inflation for March 2023 increased to 11.8 percent from 11.6 percent the previous month (see Figure 4). This outturn was mainly attributed to price movements in Cereals (Breakfast Mealie Meal, Roller Mealie Meal, Maize grain, Rice local); Meat (Fillet Steak, Rump Steak, Brisket, Mixed Cut, T-bone, Goat Meat); Vegetables (rape, Tomatoes, Cabbage, Sweet potatoes); Cooking oil and Eggs.

The annual non-food inflation for March 2023 increased to 7.3 percent from 6.9 percent in February 2023. This outturn was mainly attributed to increases in prices of non-food items such as Passenger transport by road and air; and Purchase of Motor cars (Toyota hilux, Nissan ALMERA 1.5 L Acenta MT, Nissan Pick (Nissan Hardbody)).

Figure 4: Annual Food and Non-Food Inflation, Mar 2022-Mar 2023 (%)

Read more

• Vol-242-of-2023-The-Monthly-May.pdf
• Vol-241-of-2023-The-Monthly-April.pdf

The UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and UK’s Office for National Statistics (ONS) are delighted to open up a limited number of spaces for attendees of the 2023 IAOS – ISI conference to attend a one day taster of their Statistical Programme on Monday 3rd April.

Registration is open at the following link:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/statistical-leadership-training-taster-session-tickets-564668367287n

There is no charge for attendance, and we will provide lunch, but you will need to arrange your own travel and accommodation. There are limited spaces on the course, so please only sign up if you are making a firm commitment to attend.