On Tuesday, the Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment, Mod K. Ceesay, stated that the government will not eliminate tariffs on imported cement, even in the face of ongoing shortages. He emphasized that this policy is crucial for safeguarding the emerging domestic cement industry.
“I don’t envisage any immediate removal of permanent tariffs on cement,” he said.
The minister stated that rather than eliminating the tariff, the government has chosen to implement a temporary reduction in excise duty as a provisional solution. The excise levy on cement has been reduced from 180 dalasis to 30 dalasis, a rate that will be maintained for the time being, he stated.
“What we have is a temporary reduction of the excise duty on cement from 180 to 30 Dalasi, and it will remain so,” Mr. Ceesay said.
The decision was characterized as a component of a wider protection strategy designed to bolster emerging local cement factories, which the government considers essential for achieving long-term self-sufficiency and fostering job creation. “We are committed to the protection measures adopted to support our upcoming cement factories,” he said. “That is the policy direction.”
Mr. Ceesay stated that the existing arrangement will remain in effect unless the government provides new guidance, indicating a lack of desire for an immediate policy change despite ongoing supply constraints impacting the construction sector. “It will remain so until there is guidance or a directive,” he said.
