Copper export earnings jump 21.6pc

By BUUMBA CHIMBULU

ZAMBIA’S export earnings from refined copper climbed 21.6 percent in May 2026, buoyed by higher shipment volumes and firmer international prices, according to the Zambia Statistics Agency (ZamStats).

Presenting the latest trade statistics during a media briefing in Lusaka on Thursday, ZamStats Statistician General Sheila Mudenda said export earnings from refined copper increased to K19.6 billion in May from K16.1 billion in April.

“Export earnings from refined copper increased by 21.6 percent from K16.1 billion in April 2026 to K19.6 billion in May 2026. Refined copper export volumes increased by 18.6 percent from 64.3 thousand metric tonnes in April 2026 to 76.2 thousand metric tonnes in May 2026,” Ms Mudenda said.

She added that the increase coincided with stronger prices on the international market.

“Copper prices on the LME market for the corresponding months increased by 4.8 percent from US$12, 891.4 per metric tonne in April 2026 to US$13, 507.1 per metric tonne in May 2026,” she said.

Despite the monthly improvement, cumulative refined copper export volumes remained relatively flat over the first five months of the year.

The agency also reported growth in both traditional and non-traditional exports during May.

Traditional export earnings rose by 23.9 percent from K16.3 billion in April to K20.2 billion, accounting for 67.2 percent of total exports.

Meanwhile, earnings from non-traditional exports increased by 9.4 percent from K9.0 billion to K9.9 billion, contributing 32.8 percent of total exports for the month.

However, cumulative trade for the January to May period declined compared with the previous year.

“Cumulative total trade for the period January to May 2026 was K248.9 billion while that of 2025 for the same period was K275.0 billion, representing a 9.5 percent decrease,” Ms Mudenda said.

Road transport continued to dominate the movement of goods across the country’s borders.

Of the K135.4 billion worth of exports recorded between January and May, road transport accounted for K130.5 billion, representing 96.4 percent of the total value.

Ends.