Maize (9,606MT) was the highest traded commodity in the week ending 30th June 2017, down from the previous week (11,013MT). 
The flow was mostly from Uganda to Kenya, Uganda exported to Kenya (9,099MT) and to Rwanda (235MT). Tanzania exported maize (94MT), consisting of exports to Kenya (44MT), and to Uganda (50MT). Kenya exported maize (15MT) to Tanzania. Maize wholesale prices were highest in South Sudan, Juba Ksh86($0.83)/kg, Burundi, Bujumbura Ksh78($0.75)/kg, and Ngozi, Ksh72($0.69)/kg. The lowest prices were in Tanzania, Dodoma Ksh23($0.22)/kg, and Rwanda, Ruhengeri Ksh25($0.24)/kg. Kenya reported the following wholesale prices Kisumu, Ksh65($0.63)/kg, Nairobi, Ksh57($0.55)/kg, Nakuru Ksh42($0.41)/kg and Eldoret Ksh48($0.46)/kg. Uganda, Busia market Ksh30($0.29)/kg.
Beans (3,413MT) was the 2nd highest traded commodity in the week, a huge decrease to the previous week (6,245MT). The trade flow retained its pattern of exports from Uganda (3,348MT) to Kenya (2,926MT), and to DRC (421MT) a decrease from the previous week. Rwanda exported to Uganda (65MT). Beans wholesale price were highest in South Sudan, Juba Ksh168($1.62)/kg, Kenya, Mombasa Ksh78($0.75)/kg, and Kisumu Ksh75($0.72)/kg. The prices were lowest in Rwanda, Mulindi, Ksh47($0.45)/kg. Yellow Beans (60MT) was traded, up from the previous week (50MT). The trade was Uganda exports to Rwanda (60MT). Yellow beans wholesale prices were highest in Kenya, Eldoret Ksh105($1.01)/kg, and both Nairobi and Mombasa Ksh100($0.96)/kg. The prices were lowest in Rwanda, Mulindi Ksh55($0.53)/kg. Red Beans (190MT) were traded during the week. The trade was Tanzania exports to Uganda (50MT), and Rwanda exports to Uganda (140MT). Red beans wholesale prices were highest in Kenya, Nairobi Ksh90($0.87)/kg, and Eldoret Ksh76($0.77)/kg. The prices were lowest in Burundi, Ngozi Ksh48($0.46)/kg. Rwanda exported Mixed Beans (30MT) 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. Uganda, Busia sold mixed beans at Ksh47($0.45)/kg.
Millet (1,241MT) was traded, a huge increase from the previous week (250MT). The flow was mostly Uganda exports to Kenya (1,108MT), and to Rwanda (0.40MT). Ethiopia exported to Uganda (31MT) Tanzania exported to Kenya (3MT). Millet wholesale price were highest in Kenya, Kisumu and Eldoret Ksh110($1.06)/kg, and Mombasa Ksh100($0.96)/kg. The prices were lowest in Rwanda, Mulindi Ksh54($0.52). Nairobi continues to experience a huge shortage of Millet. Nairobi reported a wholesale price is Ksh92($0.89)/kg.
Green grams continue to be harvested in various parts of Kenya, in preparation for both the local and international market. Green grams wholesale prices are highest in South Sudan, Juba Ksh188($1.81)/kg, Kenya, Eldoret Ksh128($1.23)/kg, and Kisumu Ksh120($1.16)/kg. The lowest reported wholesale prices were in Uganda, Lira Ksh35($0.3)/kg, Tororo Ksh37($0.36)/kg. The Kenya wholesale prices are Meru Ksh62($0.60)/kg, Makueni Ksh72($0.69)/kg, Mombasa Ksh80($0.77)/kg, Nakuru Ksh84($0.81)/kg, and Nairobi Ksh94($0.91)/kg.
Rice (613MT) was traded, a decrease from the previous week’s (1,504MT). The flow was from Tanzania to Rwanda (370MT), and to Uganda (145MT). Rwanda exported to DRC (89MT), and DRC exported (9MT) to Uganda. Rice wholesale prices were highest in Kenya, Mombasa Ksh180($1.74)/kg, Nairobi Ksh155($1.49)/kg, Eldoret Ksh150($)/kg, and lowest was in Tanzania, Iringa Ksh74($0.71)/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.
Wheat (342MT) was traded during the week, a decrease from the previous week (504MT). The trade flow was from Kenya to Rwanda (270MT), and from Rwanda to DRC(72MT). Wheat prices were highest in Burundi, Ngozi Ksh102($0.98)/kg, and lowest in Kenya, Nairobi Ksh45($0.43)/kg, and Mombasa Ksh45($0.43)/kg.
Sorghum (126MT) was traded, a huge decrease from the previous week (411MT). The trade flow was mostly Uganda exports to Kenya (116MT), and to Rwanda (10MT). Sorghum wholesale prices were highest in Kenya, Nairobi Ksh82($0.79)/kg, and lowest in Uganda, Gulu Ksh32($0.31)/kg, and Tanzania, Dodoma Ksh22($0.21)/kg.
Groundnuts/Peanuts (101MT) was traded in the week, in comparison to the previous week (242MT). The trade flow was mostly Tanzania’s exports to Uganda (61MT). Uganda exported to Rwanda (40MT). The wholesale prices of groundnuts were highest in South Sudan, Juba Ksh185($1.78)/kg, Uganda, Masindi Ksh155($1.50)/kg, Kenya, Nairobi Ksh150($1.45)/kg, and Mombasa Ksh140($1.35)/kg. The wholesale prices were lowest in Tanzania, Mbeya Ksh69($0.67)/kg. Soya Beans (60MT) was traded, Tanzania exported to Kenya (60MT). Wholesale prices were highest in Kenya, Eldoret Ksh90($0.87)/kg, and lowest in Uganda, Busia Ksh39($0.38)/kg. Peas (147MT) was traded, Tanzania exported to Uganda (147MT). Peas prices were highest in Burundi, Bujumbura Ksh168($)/kg, and lowest in Uganda Mbale, Ksh58($0)/kg.
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.