Output in manufacturing reduces by between 40% & 70%

The Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM) says output in the manufacturing industry has in the last six months reduced by between 40% and 70% due to load shedding.
ZAM Chief Executive Officer Maybin Nsupila says production by manufacturing companies is now between 30% and 60%.
He says the loss in production hours has mainly been due to load shedding as well as the continued depreciation of the Kwacha.
Mr. Nsupila says the manufacturing industry has seen a sharp rise in operating costs related to the increased running costs of the equipment as a result of the use of fuels in production.
Mr. Nsupila adds that manufacturing companies are barely surviving and are struggling to withstand competition from foreign manufacturers.

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