Summary
- Total monthly volumes of informally traded maize, rice and beans continue to decline which is typical for this time of the year when most farmers begin to run out of surplus stocks. However, trade patterns remain unchanged with Mozambique and Zambia being the major source countries while Malawi, DRC and Zimbabwe remain net importers.
- Maize remains the most traded commodity captured through the system underlining its importance as a main staple in the monitored countries. By the end of September, maize trade accounted for 82 percent of the total informal trade captured since the beginning of the current marketing year.
- September nominal maize grain prices increased at most border points; ranging from 9 percent at Muloza border point (Mozambique/Malawi) to 118 percent at Machipanda border point (Mozambique/Zimbabwe). However, September 2009 nominal maize prices are lower than those observed at the same time last year; a sign of improved availability at most monitored sites.
