Congo’s temporary import ban

The Congo authorities have banned imports of popular consumer goods in the west of the Democratic Republic of Congo for a period of 6 month.

Congo’s trade minister, Jean-Lucien Busa, said on Monday: “the authorities have decided to temporarily ban the import of cement, sugar, beer and soda water in the West for 6 months, in an effort to combat fraudulent smuggling activities”.

This is to “protect the critical period of growth in local industries, not to let those below the cost of production price to sell products damage to local industry, but the Minister stressed that he did not turn to protectionism”.

The southwestern part of the country is located in the heart of Africa and borders Angola. The booming market attracted many street vendors who bought goods at a low price.

The trade minister said those who did not pay taxes would pose a threat to the national economy.

The minister added that despite the ban on some imports, the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is rich in mineral resources, still open the door to international trade.

Busa also said the ban on the export of cinchona bark (especially for refining, quinine) which prompted Congo pharmaceutical industry preferred transformation. In addition, he did not specify what parts of the country will implement the import ban, but the capital of Kinshasa, is located in the western part of the country.

Congo’s import ban protects its economy to some extent, but does not rule out any impact on international trade with its neighbours.