Zanzibar’s import bill hits $584 million in April on capital goods imports

Zanzibar’s import bill increased to $584 million in April 2023, from $438.3 million recorded during the corresponding period last year with both goods imports and service payments  recording growth, according to the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) Monthly Economic Review for May, 2023.

“The observed growth in capital goods imports was on account of an increase in machinery and mechanical applied, and electrical machinery and equipment imports; chiefly linked with the on-going construction activities,” the report says.

As for intermediate goods imports, the rise was due to an increase in imports of industrial supplies, refined white petroleum and motor cars for households. Meanwhile, food and beverages mainly for household consumption imports was the main drivers of the growth in consumer goods imports.

“On a monthly basis, imports of goods and services amounted to $49.4 million in April 2023, higher than $44.1 million in April 2022,” the Central Bank report shows.