ZNCC Calls For Taxes On All Imports To Discourage Importation Of Locally-available Commodities

The Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) Matabeleland Chapter has called for taxes on all imports to discourage the importation of locally-available commodities.

Speaking at the ZNCC Matabeleland Chapter’s annual pre-budget consultations held in Bulawayo this Thursday, ZNCC Bulawayo Chapter chairperson, Mackenzie Dongo said taxes will save the local industries. He is quoted by ZBC News as saying:

We need to protect our local industries. We need to make sure that all imports are taxed because these products are flooding the local market. 

His remarks come barely months after the government removed duty on some commodities to increase imports as a measure to curb inflation. It also removed import licence requirements on some commodities.

The government accused local businesses of unjustly raising the prices of their commodities. Cross-border traders would bring cheaper commodities from beyond the country’s borders forcing local businesses to reduce their prices, according to authorities.

Local businesses, on the other hand, argued that doing business was expensive saying their prices only reflected costs incurred.

They attributed inflation to these factors:

1). They said fuel which has been going up was forcing them to raise their prices to recoup costs incurred.

2). They said taxes were too high.

Meanwhile, Louis Herbst, ZNCC Matebeleland Chapter vice president urged the government to use the 2023 budget to fund the resuscitation of the Bulawayo industry agenda. Bulawayo used to be Zimbabwe’s industrial hub.

Pindula News