By MAIMBOLWA MULIKELELA –
ZAMBIA has recorded a decrease in the total value of metal exports from K2.6 billion in January 2015 to K2.5 billion in February this year due to a drop in copper prices.
The overall contribution of metals and their products to the total exports earnings in February and January 2015 averaged 67.3 per cent.
Central Statistical Office (CSO) director John Kalumbi said there had been a decrease in the total value of metal exports from K2.615 billion in January to K2.577 million in February this year.
This can mainly be attributed to the drop in copper prices on the international market.
On the other hand, there was an increase in the exports of Non-Traditional Exports (NTE’s) from K1.099 billion in January 2015 to K1.434 billion in February 2015.
Mr Kalumbi said in Lusaka that the share of NTEs recorded an average of 32.7 per cent in revenue earnings between February and January 2015.
“Our major NTEs in February were Sulphuric acid, tobacco, partly or wholly stemmed/stripped was the second largest NTE in February 2015, accounting for 5.1 per cent.
“Other notable NTEs in February 2015 were containers for the conveyance or packing of goods representing 4.6 per cent, semi- manufactured gold,” he said.
Mr Kalumbi said Zambia was able to export its commodities to Switzerland which accounted for 32.6 per cent.
Major export products to Switzerland were Cathodes and Sections of cathodes and sections of cathodes of refined copper accounting for 88.9 per cent.
China was the second major destination of Zambia’s export accounting for 16.5 per cent and Mr Kalumbi said major export products to China was copper blisters 79.1 per cent.
The third major destination was Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Africa and Singapore.
The five countries collectively accounted for 79 per cent of Zambia’s total export earnings in February 2015.