HARARE: Total imports into Zimbabwe in the five months to May amounted to $2.07 billion, a decline of 12% compared to the same period last year.
According to the latest data released by Zimstat, the country imported wheat worth $36.8 million, oil cake at $22.8 million and maize at $97.37 million. Maize imports rose sharply in May at $29.9 million from $13.3 million the previous month. Bulk rice imports amounted to $26.01 million and soya bean flour and meal imports were at $4.68 million. The country also imported apples worth $1,7 million, grapes worth $1.4 million while the fruit and veggie list also included items which are readily produced in the country like tomatoes, carrots, lettuce, peas, beans and lemons.
Crude soya bean oil imports amounted to $39.6 million with Industry and Commerce minister Mike Bimha saying Government would continue assisting cooking oil manufacturers in importing raw materials. Margarine worth $2.16 million and water (all types) at $2.5 million.
In spite of enough capacity in the local industry, the country brought in $3.44 million worth of Portland cement. Petrol imports were at $175 million, paraffin at $8.3 million while diesel imports were at $323 million. About $43.1 million worth of electrical energy was imported as ZESA seeks to curtail load shedding. Exports were at $948 million a decline of 9% from the same period last year. The major exports remained primary commodities although there is a current push to beneficiate raw materials in the country. The manufacturing sector’s export performance between 2014 and 2015 indicates that the sector’s capacity to export is declining.
