Tanzania Investment and Consultant Group Ltd

| Economic Research Centre

Tanzania's Inflation Update
October 10, 2023  
September 2023 Records Stable 3.3% Rate Despite Price Index Increase The inflation rates for Tanzania over a period of time, including historical trends and forecasts: Historical Inflation Rates (2022): Inflation rates are typically expressed as a percentage and represent the rate at which the general price level of goods and services rises, leading to a […]

September 2023 Records Stable 3.3% Rate Despite Price Index Increase

The inflation rates for Tanzania over a period of time, including historical trends and forecasts:

Historical Inflation Rates (2022):

  • September 2022: Inflation rate was 4.8%
  • October 2022: Inflation rate was 4.9%
  • November 2022: Inflation rate was 4.9%
  • December 2022: Inflation rate was 4.8%

Inflation rates are typically expressed as a percentage and represent the rate at which the general price level of goods and services rises, leading to a decrease in purchasing power. In this case, Tanzania experienced relatively moderate inflation rates in late 2022.

Inflation Rates (2023):

  • January 2023: Inflation rate was 4.9%
  • February 2023: Inflation rate was 4.8%
  • March 2023: Inflation rate was 4.7%
  • April 2023: Inflation rate was 4.3%
  • May 2023: Inflation rate was 4%
  • June 2023: Inflation rate was 3.6%
  • July 2023: Inflation rate was 3.3%
  • August 2023: Inflation rate was 3.3%
  • September 2023: Inflation rate was 3.3%

From January to September 2023, Tanzania experienced a declining trend in inflation rates. This means that the general price level of goods and services increased at a slower rate during this period.

Inflation Rate Forecast (2023):

  • October 2023: The forecasted inflation rate is 3.2%
  • November 2023: The forecasted inflation rate is 3.1%
  • December 2023: The forecasted inflation rate is 3%

The forecasted inflation rates for the last three months of 2023 show a continued decrease in the rate of price increase, indicating relative price stability or a decrease in inflationary pressures.

Inflation rates can have significant economic implications, affecting consumer purchasing power, interest rates, and overall economic stability. Low and stable inflation rates are generally considered desirable by central banks and policymakers, as they contribute to a more stable economic environment.

The annual headline inflation rate for September 2023 in Tanzania and the comparison with the previous month, August 2023, and the previous year, September 2022:

Annual Headline Inflation Rate for September, 2023:

  • The headline inflation rate for September 2023 remained unchanged at 3.3% compared to the previous month, August 2023. This means that there was no increase or decrease in the rate of inflation between these two months.

Overall Index Increase:

  • Despite the headline inflation rate remaining the same, the overall index of prices increased from 108.73 in September 2022 to 112.35 in September 2023. This increase in the overall index reflects the general rise in the prices of goods and services over the course of one year (from September 2022 to September 2023).

The key takeaway from this information is that while the headline inflation rate in Tanzania remained stable at 3.3% between August and September 2023, the overall price level in the economy increased over the course of a year, indicating that prices of goods and services, on average, were higher in September 2023 compared to September 2022.

These figures provide a comprehensive view of how inflation has affected various categories of goods and services in Tanzania over both short-term and long-term periods.

The inflation rates in Tanzania for various categories or main groups, showing both the 1-month change and the 12-month change:

Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages:

  • 1 Month Change: 0.3
  • 12 Month Change: 5.6

This category represents the inflation rates for essential food items and non-alcoholic beverages. Over the past month, there was a 0.3% increase in prices, and over the past year, prices in this category have risen by 5.6%.

Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco:

  • 1 Month Change: 0.0
  • 12 Month Change: 3.7

This category covers the inflation rates for alcoholic beverages and tobacco products. There was no change in prices over the past month, but over the past year, prices have increased by 3.7%.

Clothing and Footwear:

  • 1 Month Change: -0.1
  • 12 Month Change: 3.0

This category represents the inflation rates for clothing and footwear. Prices decreased by 0.1% over the past month, but over the past year, prices have increased by 3.0%.

Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas, and Other Fuels, Furnishings, Household Equipment, and Routine:

  • 1 Month Change: -0.4
  • 12 Month Change: 1.3

This category encompasses various expenses related to housing and household items. Over the past month, there was a significant decrease of 0.4%, but over the past year, prices have increased by 1.3%.

Household Maintenance:

  • 1 Month Change: -0.1
  • 12 Month Change: 3.9

Household maintenance costs decreased by 0.1% over the past month, but over the past year, they have increased by 3.9%.

Health:

  • 1 Month Change: 0.0
  • 12 Month Change: 1.7

Health-related expenses remained stable over the past month, and over the past year, prices in this category have increased by 1.7%.

Transport:

  • 1 Month Change: 0.2
  • 12 Month Change: 1.0

Transportation costs increased by 0.2% over the past month, while over the past year, prices have increased by 1.0%.

Information and Communication:

  • 1 Month Change: 0.3
  • 12 Month Change: 1.7

Prices for information and communication services increased by 0.3% over the past month, and over the past year, they have increased by 1.7%.

Education Services:

  • 1 Month Change: 0.2
  • 12 Month Change: 3.5

Education services saw a 0.2% price increase over the past month, and over the past year, prices have increased by 3.5%.

Insurance and Financial Services:

  • 1 Month Change: -0.1
  • 12 Month Change: 0.1

Prices for insurance and financial services decreased by 0.1% over the past month, and over the past year, there was a minimal increase of 0.1%.

Overall Inflation Rate:

  • 1 Month Change: 0.1
  • 12 Month Change: 3.3

The overall inflation rate for Tanzania increased by 0.1% over the past month, and over the past year, it has risen by 3.3%.

Focuses on inflation rates and Tanzania's economic growth:

Stable Inflation Rates:

The fact that the annual headline inflation rate remained stable at 3.3% from August to September 2023 suggests that, at least in the short term, there wasn't a sudden surge in inflation that could erode consumers' purchasing power. Price stability is generally considered favorable for economic growth as it provides a predictable environment for businesses and consumers.

Increase in Overall Index:

The data does indicate an increase in the overall index of prices from September 2022 to September 2023. While this is not a direct measure of economic growth, it does show that prices for goods and services have, on average, risen over the past year. This could be influenced by various factors, including increased demand, supply chain disruptions, or changes in commodity prices.

Steady Inflation Management:

The Tanzanian government and central bank may have been effective in managing inflation to keep it stable. Effective inflation management is typically seen as conducive to a healthy economic environment and can support economic growth.

Tanzania Inflation Rates
YearsMonthsInflation Rates
Trends2022September4.8
October4.9
November4.9
December4.8
2023January4.9
February4.8
March4.7
April4.3
May4
June3.6
July3.3
August3.3
September3.3
Forecast2023October3.2
November3.1
December3

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