GRAPHS MIS8021.CHT THROUGH MIS8030.CHT - AVERAGE PRICE/EDIBLE KG AND AVERAGE PRICE/CARCASE KG.

Dar shows a slow decline in prices from US$ 1.4/edible kg in 1989 to US$ 1.25/edible kg in 1994. There is a strong cycle with prices peaking in December and troughing in June. These seasonal cycles used to be +/- 20% but now appear to be +/- 15%. The above edible prices correspond on the graph to US$ 1/carcase kg in 1989 and to US$ 0.9/carcase kg in 1994. Note that the 1994 Government-fixed retail price of mixed beef is US$ 1.4 approximately (depending on exchange rate), giving butchers an average gross margin of 35% on sales.

Arusha shows a strong decline from US$ 1.5/kg edible in 1992 to US$ 0.85/kg edible in 1994. There used to be an annual December/June peak and trough but average prices now appear constant throughout the year. Equivalent prices are US$ 1.1/carcase kg and US$ 0.7/carcase kg..

Moshi shows a moderate decline from US$ 1.25/edible kg in 1992 to US$ 1.0/edible kg in 1994. Like Arusha, previous annual December/June extremes are now flat. The equivalent prices are US$ 0.95/carcase kg and US$ 0.75/carcase kg..

Note that for Dar es Salaam the August 1994 peak was due to a severe problem with rail arrivals which caused a shortage of saleable cattle and resultant high prices.

Arusha now appears to be a very attractive market for buyers, in view of high quality and low prices; analysis of prices for the higher grades and weights of animals may however slightly lessen this advantage (see below).