Tanzania has announced a ban on all agricultural imports originating from South Africa and Malawi, citing retaliatory measures against similar trade restrictions imposed by both nations.
Agriculture Minister Hussein Bashe stated in a video address that this action follows the failure of South Africa and Malawi to lift their bans on Tanzanian agricultural goods by Wednesday’s deadline.
Malawi had recently prohibited the import of Tanzanian maize flour, rice, ginger, and bananas, among other commodities.
Similarly, South Africa had banned banana imports from Tanzania. Bashe declared that the import ban on agricultural products from both South Africa and Malawi takes effect immediately.
Furthermore, Tanzania will halt the transit of agricultural goods from other countries through its territory destined for landlocked Malawi.
The export of Tanzanian fertilizer to Malawi will also be prohibited.
Minister Bashe emphasized that these measures are necessary to protect Tanzanian businesses, underscoring the need for mutual respect in trade relations.
He added that discussions aimed at resolving the trade dispute will continue with both South Africa and Malawi.
