Zambia has not benefit significantly from the AGOA trade programme with the United States of America since its inception 10 years ago, Commerce minister Felix Mutati has said.

Speaking during the 2011 Sub-Sahara – US AGOA forum at Lusaka’s Pamodzi Hotel, Mr. Mutati said there was a growing trade imbalance between Zambia and America.

“From the ongoing statistics and the scenario, it is very clear that there is a growing trade imbalance between our two countries. Therefore hosting the AGOA forum presents an opportunity for Zambia to correct these imbalances,” he said.

Mr. Mutati noted the need for the country to expand its regional and international markets through integrated regional networks and strategic partnerships.

“Zambia needs to use her position as chairman for AGOA to ensure that the objective of addressing the growing trade imbalance with America is addressed,” he said.

Mr. Mutati further observed that Zambian products were facing challenges in breaking through onto the American market because they lacked originality and due to poor packaging among other things.

He said although most of the products like honey which were not making significant progress on the America market had attention in the European Union member countries, there was need to improve trade linkages with the US.

Latest AGOA Trade Data currently available on AGOA.info


Click here to view a sector profile of Zambia's bilateral trade with the United States, disaggregated by total exports and imports, AGOA exports and GSP exports.

Other regularly updated trade statistics on AGOA.info include: (click each link to view)