Central and Southern African regional corn imports forecast up sharply - 1991/92 marketing year forecast - U.S. Dept. Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service Report

Corn imports for the region declined over the past several years due in part to favorable weather. However, the current drought has broadly impacted the region. Record imports for the region are forecast.

South Africa will be the largest single importer in the region, but other countries have also begun major import programs. Reports of import needs vary widely, however, a key factor governing imports over the next 12 months will be the ability of regional port facilities and rail systems to physically meet import needs. In addition, many of the countries will need financial assistance and commodity donations to meet import needs.

Commercial import programs have already begun for the following:

South Africa: Import are currently forecast at 2.0 million tons for the current 1991/92 marketing year (Oct-Sept), but are projected to be sharply higher at 4.5 million tons for the May 1992 through April 1993 domestic marketing year. South Africa has already purchased over 1 million tons of corn for shipment from March through June 1992. Purchases to date have been almost evenly divided between the United States and Argentina. South Africa's Maize Board also buys corn for the Lesotho, Swaziland, Botswana, and Namibia, but a spokesmen for the Board stated that the 300,000 ton per month program announced earlier this year does not include quantities for these countries.

Zimbabwe: Normally an exporter of corn to neighboring countries, Zimbabwe is now forecast to import 750,000 tons of corn during 1991/92 (Oct-Sept). Zimbabwe has reportedly purchased over 200,000 tons of corn from Argentina for April through July shipment. U.S. corn commitments through April 2 total 42,000 tons, but additional quantities have reportedly been purchased from the United States.

Zambia: Imports are forecast at 350,000 tons to help meet annual consumption needs of 1.3 million tons. Reportedly, Zambia has secured 70,000 tons of U.S. corn and additional quantities from Argentina. In addition, Zambia reportedly purchased 135,000 tons of corn from South Africa in late 1991.

Kenya: Normally an exporter of 100,000 tons of corn, Kenya is forecast to import 200,000 tons in 1991/92. U.S. total corn commitments to Kenya for 1991/92 shipment are currently 99,000 tons. In recent years, Kenya has exporterd into the world market, selling limited quantities of corn in the Middle East, Asia, and Europe, and became less of a factor in regional barter trade.

Other countries in th region need substantial imports, but given tight foreing exchange positions throughout the region, actual import volumes will depend largely on outside assistance in the form of credits and grants.

COPYRIGHT 1992 U.S. Department of Agriculture
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