Beer ban sparks Zambia-Congo border dispute, copper exports blocked

On August 12, Jinshi Data News, the Zambian Minister of Trade met with the Congolese Minister of Trade on Monday to resolve the trade dispute that led to the closure of the border between the two countries and the obstruction of exports from the world's second largest copper producer. Both sides stated that they will discuss the ban imposed by Congo nearly two weeks ago on the import of Zambian beer, soft drinks, and limes. If the two governments can reach a protocol, the border crossing may be restored within a few hours. Congo's copper production last year exceeded 2.8 million tons, almost all of which were transported by land from Zambia to regional ports from Tanzania to South Africa and Namibia.