Imported goods to cost more from July
Imports of goods that can be produced in the region will now be subjected to a common external tariff of 35 per cent to spur local production and manufacturing, the East African Community (EAC) secretariat has said.
Goods such as dairy and meat products, cereals, cotton and textiles, iron and steel, edible oils and alcoholic beverages will be subjected to 35 per cent tax. Others are furniture, leather products, fresh-cut flowers, fruits, nuts, sugar and confectionery, coffee, tea, spices, head gears, ceramic products and paints, among others.
The tariff seems to target mainly agricultural produce to help boost farmers and value addition firms that form the largest source of gross domestic product (GDP) for countries in the region.
In a meeting in Mombasa chaired by Kenya’s Trade Cabinet Secretary Betty Maina, who is also the chairperson EAC Council of Ministers, six EAC partner States agreed that the 35 per cent tax will be effective July 1, 2022.
