ZPC cuts import fees to stabilise food prices

ZANZIBAR: IN a move to control the rise of food prices in the isles, the Zanzibar Ports Corporation (ZPC) has announced an 80 per cent reduction in levies on all food items imported from mainland Tanzania through all ports in Unguja and Pemba.

ZPC Director, Akif Khamis said recently that the measure will take effect from tomorrow until November 24, this year.

He explained that the decision comes in response to a sharp increase in the prices of essential food items over the past week, following skirmishes that occurred during General Election in mainland Tanzania on October 29.

The directive will apply to all ports handling the import and transportation of food items, including Malindi, Wete and the Ngalawa area, which is managed by ZMT Company.

“I would like to inform all traders that the ZPC has announced an 80 per cent reduction in import levies on food items at its ports, to allow for greater importation of essential food products,” he said.

Mr Khamis clarified that the reduction mainly applies to food products coming from mainland Tanzania, as well as those exported from Zanzibar to the mainland, including staple foods for human consumption.

He added that ZPC management has already held a meeting with representatives of traders involved in food imports at Malindi Port, who have welcomed the directive and pledged to implement it.

“We have met with traders dealing with food imports from the mainland and informed them of the directive, which they have fully accepted,” he said.

The recent unrest in mainland Tanzania during the General Election disrupted the importation of essential food products, causing significant price hikes and prompting public complaints urging government intervention.

Among the most affected items were potatoes, a popular food in Zanzibar and tomatoes, both of which are 90 per cent imported from mainland Tanzania.

Ferry transport operator Ali Haji said that shipments of food items from the mainland have resumed over the past three days to meet local demand.

“I have received more than ten ferries carrying shipments of food and grains, including potatoes, tomatoes and maize flour. Within the next two weeks, the availability of these products is expected to stabilise, helping to curb the recent surge in prices,” said Haji.