Food Trade Bulletin

Volumes of maize, rice and dry beans traded informally within monitored countries declined by 30 percent between April 2014 and March 2015 in comparison to 2013/14 levels; and by 29 percent in comparison to the recent five-year average.

Mozambique was the largest exporter contributing 38 percent of the maize moved by traders. Much of the maize from Mozambique, 83 percent was moved to Malawi.

Zambia's contribution to the informal maize exports declined 51 percent compared to last season as much of the surplus was purchased by its National Food Reserve Agency.

Tanzania was the largest exporter of rice and dry beans, contributing 58 and 61 percent of these commodities respectively.

Malawi was hte largest importer, receiving 38 percent of the maize moved within the region.

Volumes of maize traded informally are expected to increase by between 20 and 30 percent between May and October 2015 to cover staple food deficits in the regionas average-to-below-average harvest are forecast for 2015.