THE Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) Foreign Exchange Auction Tuesday allotted a total US$29.2 million to participating companies amid calls by labour for government to rein in errant businesses violating exchange rates in their pricing.
The US dollar continued to trade at last week’s exchange rate of $81.34, signifying sustained stability .
The total foreign currency allotted signifies an increase from last week’s figure of US$26.1 million indicating a considerable increase in foreign currency availability for companies.
The exchange rate has remained stable, maintaining last week’s premium in a development which will positively impact on price stability and increase market predictability.
A trading update released at the close of business shows that 255 bids were received on the main auction while 26 were disqualified. The platform was allotted a total of US$27.3 million with the highest bid rate reaching $88.07 and a low of $79.00.
Raw materials were allotted US$11.3 million, machinery and equipment US$4.7 million, Consumables US$2,3 million, services US$2.7 million, Retail and Distribution US$1.2 million, Fuel Electricity and gas US$2.4 million.
On the Small to Medium Enterprises auction, a total US$1.8 million was allotted out of the 153 bids which were received on the day. Exchange rates reached a high of $86.00 and a low of $79.00
Raw materials were allotted US$546 149, Machinery and Equipment were allotted US$244 310, Consumables US$579 922, Services US$140 841, Retail and Distribution US$140 542, Fuel Electricity and Gas US$140 542among other priority allotments.
