MAPUTO, April 17 (Xinhua) -- The cost of rice imports by Mozambique surged in 2024, reaching 441 million U.S. dollars, according to a recent report by the Bank of Mozambique.

The figure marks a 38.8 percent increase compared to 2023 when rice imports amounted to 317.7 million dollars. It also surpasses the previous record of 342.3 million dollars set in 2021, the report noted.

Despite a general decline in overall consumer goods imports -- falling to 8.2 billion dollars in 2024, the lowest level in three years -- the rising cost of rice continues to weigh heavily on Mozambique's external accounts.

The surge in rice imports is partly driven by a sharp decline in domestic cereal production. Data from the National Institute of Statistics show that rice output fell by 34 percent in 2023, totaling 161,800 tonnes, down from 245,700 tonnes in 2022. Zambezia Province in central Mozambique led national production with 48,500 tonnes, followed by Gaza Province with around 40,900 tonnes.

Other key crops also saw declines. Maize production fell by 11 percent to 2.1 million tonnes, sorghum production dropped by 15 percent to 139,500 tonnes, and millet decreased by 32 percent to 17,000 tonnes. Enditem

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