• ZAFFICO must start declaring the real price at which it is exporting Mukula timber.
• ZAFFICO is buying a 25 tonne container of Mukula logs at between K65, 000 to K100, 000 per container.
• TPAZ members have information from private buyers who are willing to pay US$37,000 at about K815, 000.

Timber Producers Association of Zambia (TPAZ) alleges that Zambia Forestry and Forest Industries Corporation (ZAFFICO) is distorting the pricing of Mukula timber logs in the country.
Speaking in an interview with Money FM News, Association President Charles Masange questioned the role ZAFFICO is playing as its actions have resulted in local Mukula timber traders being short changed and not fully benefitting from the lucrative Mukula trade.
Mr. Masange challenged the Corporation to start declaring the real price at which it is exporting Mukula logs as the prices it is buying from local traders is way too low when compared to the market value.
He disclosed that ZAFFICO is buying a 25 ton container of Mukula logs at between K65, 000 to K100, 000 per container when TPAZ members have information from private buyers who are willing to pay US$37,000 at about K815, 000 for the same 25 tonnes container of logs.
“The Mukula timber trading is supposed to benefit indigenous Zambian traders but if you look at the buying price of K100,000 per 25 tones container of logs compared to the market offer price of about K815,000, the difference is too wide. Something is wrong somewhere,” Mr Masange said.
And efforts to get a comment from the Zambia Forestry and Forest Industries Corporation (ZAFFICO) Public Relations Manager Ireen Chipili proved futile as her mobile Phone went unanswered.