Maize (11,013MT) was the highest traded commodity in the week ending 23rd June 2017, a huge increase from the previous week (6,282MT). The flow was mostly from Uganda to Kenya, Uganda exported to Kenya (9,302MT) and to Rwanda (265MT). Tanzania also had a trade flow for maize (1,250MT), consisting of exports to Kenya (300MT), to Uganda (80MT), and another unusual volume to DRC (870MT) through Tunduma border. The unusual trade, was probably maize being exported from the Southern Africa countries. Kenya continues to experience huge maize shortages, as the Kenyan government expands its purchase to Zambia, and other Southern Africa countries. Maize wholesale prices were highest in South Sudan, Juba Ksh85($0.82)/kg, Burundi, Bujumbura Ksh75($0.72)/kg, and Ngozi, Ksh72($0.7)/kg. The lowest prices were in Tanzania, Mbeya Ksh21($0.2)/kg, and Iringa Ksh28($0.27)/kg. Kenya reported the following wholesale prices Kisumu, Ksh60($0.58)/kg, Nairobi, Ksh52($0.5)/kg, Nakuru Ksh50($0.48)/kg and Eldoret Ksh48($0.46)/kg. Busia market, the main supplier of Nairobi’s maize reported Ksh33($0.32)/kg.
Beans (6,245MT) was the 2nd highest traded commodity in the week, a slight decrease to the previous week (6,338MT). The trade flow retained its pattern of exports from Uganda (6,089MT) to Kenya (5,200MT), and to DRC (888MT) an increase in comparison to (528MT) the previous week. Rwanda exported to Uganda (156MT). Beans prices drastically dropped towards the end of the week. The highest wholesale price was in South Sudan, Juba Ksh163($1.57)/kg, Kenya, Mombasa Ksh83($0.8)/kg a huge drop from Ksh110($1.06)/kg last week. The prices were lowest in Rwanda, Kimironko, Ksh47($0.47)/kg, and Mulindi, Ksh48($0.46)/kg. Yellow Beans (50MT) was traded, up from the previous week (40MT). The trade was Uganda exports to Rwanda (50MT). Yellow beans wholesale prices were highest in Kenya, Mombasa and Eldoret Ksh100($0.97)/kg; and Tanzania, Dar Ksh98($0.95)/kg. The prices were lowest in Burundi, Ngozi Ksh48($0.46)/kg, and Rwanda, Mulindi Ksh53($0.51)/kg. Red Beans (26MT) were traded during the week, a huge decrease the previous week (85MT). The trade was Tanzania exports to Uganda. Red beans wholesale prices were highest in Tanzania, Dar Ksh92($0.89)/kg, Kenya, Nairobi Ksh90($0.87)/kg, and Eldoret Ksh80($0.77)/kg. The prices were lowest in Burundi, Ngozi Ksh48($0.46)/kg and Rwanda, Kamembe Ksh49($0.47)/kg. The Red Bean variety, Wairumu Royal which has been missing in the Nairobi market for several months is now available having been harvested in Western Kenya. Rwanda in its usual manner exported Mixed Beans (120MT) to Uganda. Mixed beans wholesale prices were highest in Kenya, Nairobi, Ksh88($0.85)/kg, and Tanzania, Dar Ksh78($0.75)/kg. The prices were lowest in Uganda, Kabale Ksh43($0.41)/kg, Rwanda, Kamemba Ksh43($0.42)/kg, and Uganda, Busia Ksh44($0.42)/kg.
While there is no cross border trade data on Green grams, it is important to note that the commodity’s harvest season has started in Kenya. There are two types of green grams in the East African market namely Nylon/Polish and Uncle/Makueni. The Nylon or Polish as the name refers has a polished look in comparison to Uncle/Makueni which as the name refers is mostly grown in Makueni and other semi-arid regions. Makueni variety has a faded look, and is a slightly larger grain in comparison to Nylon. Uncle/Makueni variety fetches a much higher market price Ksh10($0.1)/kg than Nylon, due to its ease when sorting, taste, as well as an even texture when cooked. Green grams wholesale prices are highest in South Sudan, Juba Ksh186($1.79)/kg, Kenya, Eldoret Ksh130($1.25)/kg, Nakuru Ksh100($0.96)/kg and Nairobi Ksh99($0.96)/kg. The lowest reported wholesale prices were in Uganda, Lira Ksh40($0.39)/kg, Soroti Ksh46($0.44)/kg, and Mbale Ksh57($0.55)/kg. The Ugandan prices are much lower than the Kenyan prices, especial in those areas where the commodity is produced, namely Meru Ksh61($0.59)/kg and Makueni Ksh72($0.69)/kg.
Rice (1,504MT) was traded, a decrease from the previous week’s (1,142MT). The flow was from Tanzania to Rwanda (760MT), to Uganda (483MT), and to Kenya (80MT). Rwanda exported to DRC (161MT), and DRC exported (20MT) to Uganda. Rice wholesale prices were highest in Kenya, Mombasa Ksh180($1.74)/kg, Nairobi Ksh149($1.44)/kg, Eldoret Ksh148($1.43)/kg, and lowest was in Tanzania, Iringa Ksh73($0.70)/kg. Nairobi wholesale prices for imported rice are Parboil Rice Grade 1 Ksh150($1.45)/kg, Grade 2 Ksh140($1.35)/kg, Imported Long Grain Rice Ksh98($0.95)/kg, Thai Rice Ksh98($0.95)/kg and 5 Star Ksh90($0.87)/kg. Betta Grains continued to sell the Kenya Pishori at a wholesale price of Ksh195($1.88)/kg.
Wheat (504MT) was traded during the week, a decrease from the previous week (552MT). The trade flow was from Kenya to Rwanda (426MT), and from Rwanda to DRC(78MT). Wheat prices were highest in Burundi, Ngozi Ksh107($1.03)/kg, Bujumbura Ksh96($0.93)/kg, and lowest in Kenya, Nairobi Ksh45($0.43)/kg, Mombasa Ksh45($0.43)/kg, and Nakuru Ksh50($0.48)/kg.
Sorghum (411MT) was traded, a huge decrease from the previous week (567MT). The trade flow was mostly Uganda exports to Kenya (391MT), and to Rwanda (20MT). Sorghum wholesale prices were highest in, South Sudan, Juba Ksh86($0.83)/kg and Kenya, Nairobi Ksh86($0.83)/kg, and lowest in Uganda, Gulu Ksh31($0.30)/kg, and Lira Ksh34($0.33)/kg. Kenya continues to experience a huge shortage of pure red Sorghum.
Millet (250MT) was traded, a decrease from the previous week (262MT). The flow was mostly Uganda exports to Kenya (244MT), and to Rwanda (0.40MT). Tanzania exported to Kenya (5MT). Millet wholesale price were highest in South Sudan, Juba Ksh140($1.35)/kg, Rwanda, Kimironko Ksh111($1.07)/kg, Kenya, Eldoret Ksh110($1.06)/kg, and Mombasa Ksh100($0.96)/kg. Nairobi continues to experience a huge shortage of Millet. Nairobi reported a wholesale price is Ksh90($0.87)/kg, Betta Grains is currently selling Millet at Ksh98($0.95)/kg.
Groundnuts/Peanuts (242MT) was traded in the week, in comparison to the previous week (309MT). The trade flow was mostly Tanzania’s exports to Uganda (181MT). Uganda exported to Rwanda (60MT), and Rwanda exported to DRC (1.02MT). The wholesale prices of groundnuts were highest in South Sudan, Juba Ksh182($1.76)/kg, Uganda, Masindi Ksh166($1.6)/kg, Kenya, Nairobi Ksh149($1.44)/kg, and Mombasa Ksh140($1.35)/kg. The wholesale prices were lowest in Tanzania, Mbeya Ksh69($0.67)/kg. Soya Beans (274MT) was traded, Tanzania exported to Kenya (104MT), and to Uganda (170MT). Wholesale prices were highest in Kenya, Eldoret Ksh100($0.96)/kg, and lowest in Uganda, Busia Ksh38($0.37)/kg. Peas (100MT) was traded, Uganda exported to Rwanda (80MT), and Tanzania exported to Uganda (20MT). Peas prices were highest in Burundi, Bujumbura Ksh162($1.56)/kg, and lowest in Uganda Mbale, Ksh57($0.55)/kg. Sunflower Seed Cake (229MT) and Sunflower Seed Meal (432MT), was exported from Tanzania to Kenya.
Did you know Njahi/Dolichos (photo) is an African remedy for breast milk production in nursing mothers? Now you know!
Exchange Rate used US$1=Ksh103.65/-
Author; Fostina Mani, Betta Grains. Fostina.Mani@bettagrains.com, Twitter: @FostinaMani.
Acknowledgment: The data used for the analysis has been obtained from; IAM, Government of Kenya, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock & Fisheries, Government of Tanzania, Ministry of Trade and Industry, EAGC, RATIN, Farm Gain Uganda, FEWS NET, & Betta Grains.
Disclaimer. Due to unavailable of data on various border points on formal cross-border trade flows and volumes in the public arena. The volumes indicated above are mostly from the informal cross-border data that is available to the public. The purpose of the analysis, is simply to provide an indication of the East Africa Regional Trade flow to SMEs, Smallholder Farmers, and Other Stakeholders in a manner and language that is applicable, simple, and makes sense. Those desiring to obtain actual trade volumes are advised to contact various internationally funded government projects that have been mandated to provide the regional trade data for public good.