The government of Zimbabwe has implemented restrictions on the importation of fertilizer and cement, allowing individuals and companies to bring in only up to five metric tons of these essential commodities. Exceeding this limit will now require prior approval from the government.
This development follows the recent approval by the government that allows entities with available funds to import fertilizer and cement, both of which have been facing shortages in the local market.
Industry and Commerce Minister Sithembiso Nyoni, in a statement released on Wednesday, confirmed that these importation restrictions would remain in effect until December 31 of this year.
Zimbabwe has been grappling with a fertilizer shortage, largely due to heightened demand as the country prepares for the upcoming summer cropping season. To support both summer and winter cropping, an estimated 400,000 metric tons of basal fertilizer and 380,000 metric tons of top dressing are required annually in the agricultural sector.
Similarly, the demand for cement in Zimbabwe has been steadily rising due to ongoing construction activities. Local cement producers, however, have been facing challenges in meeting this surging demand, leading to a shortage in the market. Consequently, cement dealers have been forced to raise prices in response to the scarcity.
These measures are intended to manage the availability and distribution of these crucial commodities, ensuring equitable access and addressing challenges arising from increased demand and production constraints. The government’s actions seek to strike a balance in the market and provide stability amid these shortages.
