The Namibian annual inflation rate remained at 7.3% y/y in December, unchanged from November. Prices increased by 0.2% m/m. The yearly increases were largely driven by the food and non-alcoholic beverages category which increased by 12.5% y/y, as well as the housing, water, electricity and other fuel category which increased at a rate of 7.6% y/y. Overall prices in five of the twelve basket categories increased at a faster rate than during the preceding month, five at a slower rate and two at the same rate as during the preceding month. At the end of December goods inflation was notably higher than that of services. Prices for goods increased 7.8% y/y while services were 6.6% more expensive on a y/y basis.
Food and non-alcoholic beverages, the second largest basket item, was the largest contributor to annual inflation. Food inflation is currently running at 12.5% y/y, up from the 11.5% y/y figure seen in November. The sub-categories of food generally showed strong monthly increases of between 0.7% and 1.0%, except for quick acceleration in the prices of meat, up 3.1% m/m, and fruit which increased 3.0% m/m. On an annual basis, fish prices have increased by 25.9% y/y while confectionaries are 17.5% more expensive. The upwards pressure on food prices is mainly a result of the drought in Southern Africa which could ease as the rainy season reduces some the dependence on expensive foreign imports.
Housing and utilities was the second largest contributor to annual inflation, due to its large weighting in the basket. This category remained flat m/m and increased 7.6% y/y. This resulted in a contribution of 2.1% to the annual inflation figure. The high level of inflation in this category can be attributed to annual increases in rentals as well as increasing utility costs. Rental increases are normally a yearly adjustment in January. Rental costs increased 7.0% m/m in January 2016 and has remained at a 7.0% y/y level ever since. Given the current state of the housing market, it is possible rental escalations may be lower next year and, and as a result of the high base, we may see this category contribute less to inflation going forward. Most of the subcategories remained unchanged m/m, but water supply, sewerage service and refuse collection is still increasing by 12.4% y/y while electricity is 9.1% more expensive than last December.
The Alcohol and tobacco category displayed increases of 5.6% y/y and 0.0% m/m. Tobacco prices increased by 0.9% y/y, while alcohol increased at a much quicker pace at 6.8% y/y. Transport prices increased by 3.9% y/y in December, purchase of vehicles increased by 10.8% y/y while public transport is 0.5% cheaper than one year ago. Pump prices have increased early in January and global oil prices are on an upward trajectory. As a result transport inflation should increase in 2017. Hotels, Cafes and restaurants prices decreased by 0.6% m/m and package holidays and accommodation were also 3.9% and 1.9% cheaper respectively on a monthly basis as the service industry competed for clientele over the festive season.
Namibian inflation remains higher than in South Africa, and expectations are for high inflation rates to continue in both countries. South African inflation is expected to average 6.4% in 2016 and 5.8% in 2017, according to the SARB’s November MPC forecast. These expectations are largely driven by a weaker real effective exchange rate and the pass though effect of higher Import prices. The effect of higher food inflation due to the drought, and the pass-through effect of South African food prices on Namibia will likely cause the double digit increases in food prices to continue in the short term, although likely to ease around April/May of 2017.
Due to SA inflation expectations which return to the target band in 2017 and the low level of growth we do not anticipate repo rate increases in response to inflationary pressures from the SARB. Annual inflation averaged 6.7% in 2016 and we expect this to moderate to 6.4% in 2017.