10 Comments
The National Revenue Authority (NRA) has reduced the import duty on 40-foot containers from Le210 million (NLe210, 000) to Le160 million (NLe160, 000) in response to widespread public outcry.
The decision follows a significant backlash from local importers, particularly female traders, who have struggled with the increased costs.
Last week, the NRA raised the import duty on 40-foot containers from Le135 million (NLe135, 000) to Le210 million (NLe210, 000), sparking immediate protests from importers who warned of the impact on consumer prices. The reduction to Le160 million has been welcomed by traders but is still seen as insufficient.
“While we appreciate the quick response from the government, even Le135 million was too high for us. The people who really suffer from the rise in costs are the poor consumers,” said one female importer. The importers have called for further reductions, urging the government to drop the duty below Le135 million to alleviate the financial burden on businesses and consumers alike.
Opposition politicians have also weighed in, praising the NRA for responding to public concerns but echoing calls for further cuts. “Dropping the price from Le210 million to Le160 million is commendable, but the original Le135 million was already too much for importers to afford,” said an opposition representative. “The government must consider the widespread economic hardship and reduce the charge further to help lower the prices of goods and services.”
The importers also called for waivers, not just for foreign businesspeople but for local traders as well. “The waiver should not only be for the Indians, Lebanese, Chinese, and whites,” said a female importer. “People are going to bed hungry every night. Prices and costs have to come down, or people will not be able to cope, even us.”
The importers and opposition leaders have urged the government to take swift action to address the economic challenges facing the country, warning that failure to do so could exacerbate the already dire situation.
Useless country. That is 7,000 USD, regardless of the value of the good within the container.
Let the government reduce it to 100 millions Le at least that will be better
This is unbelievable. Even 160 million is too much
It is too bad for our country that depends on importation of goods for the better of their citizens and now you have to pay 160 millions for 40ft containers.Mr president and your government put the citizens of Sierra Leone first. Please reduce it to NLe 100 million for citizens and 135 million for foreign business….your people first
Mr president and your government, please reduce this price for 40ft containers because we depend on importation of goods for now.when you reduce it for the sake of your citizens to have better life and you too can be a great achievement for you ,if food prices are low.make it 100 million NLE for 40 ft containers
It was deliberate on the side of government to raised the import duty on 40ft container to Nle 210,000. Honestly, their target was Nle 160,000. They knew if they raise it to Nle 210,000, it will spark public attention and outcry and that business people and other citizens will call for a reduction. Now, with their false faces, minds, and heartless feelings for citizens, they have claimed to have reduced it. If this government cares about the wellbeing of it citizens, they would have reduced it below Nle 135, 000.
Heartless SLPP government…..
So na so dem bin dae wok money so, wusai dem money dem dae kin go ba
Di money nor dae reflect to wi di citizens,no development.
So na for dem normor en dem staff Dem ahh, tin wae na wi all yon
We voted Bio for price reduction all we now see is continuous increase in prices the same thing he condemned the APC for shame on Bio and his government
I know the useless ideot of the SLPP will attack me but I don’t care this is national issues not political
We were still pleading to let’ the reduction remaining in the Nle 100 shake of citizens, we still trust the process.
NLe160 is too much you need to reduce it to Nle50