April 2009 Zambian inflation climbs to 14.3 percent 

The April 2009 Zambian inflation rate was 14.3 percent. This was an increase of 1.2 percent from March 2009 when it was at 13.1 percent. 

According to the data released by Central Statistics Office director (CSO), Efreda Chulu on 30th April 2009, the increase was mainly due to increases in prices of food and processed products. 

Annual food inflation 

The annual food inflation was 13.9 percent in March 2009, but rose to 15.9 percent in April 2009.

In the month of April 2009, food products accounted for 7.8 percentage points while non-food products accounted for a total of 6.5 percentage points. 

According to Chulu, “ contributing most to the increase in inflation were increases in the cost of mealie meal, cereals and cereal products, meat, fish, kapenta, fresh vegetables, dried beans, oils and fats, fresh milk, tea and coffee, sugar, table salt and other processed food products.

In the same period prices of tubers and alcoholic beverages had recoded deductions.

Annual non-food inflation rate 

The annual non-food inflation rate increased to 12.7 percent in April 2009 from 12.3 percent in March 2009. 

“ Regarding disaggregated groups, the annual inflation rate increased for clothing and footwear, transport and communication, other goods and services and reduced for furniture and household goods, medical care, recreation and education,” said Chulu.

March 2009 trade deficit 

Zambia recorded a trade deficit of K 47.3 billion. The country’s major export products in March 2009 were copper and articles, accounting for 70.9 percent of the country’s total export earnings.

Major destinations for the country’s exports 

The five major destinations of the country’s exports which accounted for 70.2 percent of Zambia’s total export earnings in March 2009 were Switzerland, China, Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa and Republic of Korea.

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