. Kalumbi
By JUDITH NAMUTOWE –
THE value of Zambia’s metal exports decreased to K3.965 billion in July 2016 from the K4.171 billion recorded in June.
Central Statistical Office (CSO) director John Kalumbi said there has been a decrease of 4.9 per cent in the total value of metal exports for July as compared to the June figures.
Mr Kalumbi said this means that the overall contribution of metals and their products to the total export earnings in July and June 2016 averaged 71.1 per cent.
“Non-Traditional Exports (NTEs) decreased by 7.1 per cent from K1, 721.3 million in June to K1, 599.1 million in July 2016. The share of NTEs recorded an average of 29.0 per cent in revenue earnings between June and July 2016,” Mr Kalumbi said.
He said the major export destination in July 2016 was Switzerland, which accounted for 39.4 per cent of the total export earnings.
The major export products to Switzerland were cathodes and sections of cathodes of refined copper accounting for 45.3 per cent.
Mr Kalumbi said China was the second main destination of Zambia’s exports accounting for 17.5 per cent of the total export earnings.
The major export product to China was copper blisters representing 81.9 per cent.
“South Africa was the third main export destination accounting for 8.5 per cent of the total export earnings, with the major export products being bullion semi manufactured forms accounting for 40.5 per cent,” he said.
The United Arab Emirates was the fourth main export destination accounting for 7.5 per cent of the total export earnings.
He said the major export products were telephones for cellular networks or for other wireless networks accounting for 69.8 per cent.
The fifth main export destination was Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) which accounted for 5.8 per cent of the total export earnings with the major export products being vegetable fats and oils and their fractions, hydrogenated among other products, all accounting for 9.2 per cent.
These five countries collectively accounted for 78.7 per cent of Zambia’s total export earnings in July 2016.
