Recent report published by the National Bureau of Statistics stated that the All commodity group import index increased by 0.82% between January and March, 2021. This was driven mainly by an increase in the prices of Mineral products (1.53%), Live animals; animal products (1.38%) and Animal and Vegetable fats and oils and other Cleavage products (1.24%). However, the index was negatively affected by declines in the prices of products of the chemical and Allies industries (-0.36%) as well as Wood and articles of wood, wood charcoal and articles (-0.29%).

Between January and February 2021, the All commodity group import price index increased by 0.75%. This was driven by increases in the import prices of Animal and Vegetable fats and oils and other Cleavage (1.77%), Mineral Products (1.63%) and Live animals; animal products (1.37%). The increase was, however, offset by decline in the price of Products of the Chemical and Allied industries (-0.73%) and Wood and articles of wood, wood charcoal and articles (-0.58).

Between February and March, 2021, the All commodity group import index grew by 0.07%, driven by increase in the prices of Base metals and articles of Base metals (0.51%), Boilers, Machinery and Appliances (0.50%) etc. The index was negatively affected by decline in the prices of Animal and vegetable fats and oils and other cleavage (-0.54%), prepared foodstuffs; beverages, spirits and Vinegar (-0.34%) and Plastic rubber and articles thereof (-0.19%).