Zimbabwe Bans Importation Of Maize And Maize Meal
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The government, through the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA), has banned the importation of maize and mealie meal with immediate effect as it anticipates a bumper harvest.
According to Financial Express, last year, the country spent US$298m on maize imports but expects to save that much this year. In Q1, maize imports were at US$84.71m which is 37.36% lower than the same period last year.
In a statement, AMA Chief Executive Officer Clever Isaya said AMA will no longer be issuing out import permits for maize and maize meal.
Isaya added that all import permits that were issued before this announcement will be valid until the end of this month. The statement read:
The Agricultural Marketing Authority wishes to advise all grain millers and grain traders that all maize and maize meal imports are suspended with immediate effect, until further notice.
Furthermore, the Agricultural Marketing Authority will no longer be issuing out import permits for maize and maize meal on the Online Permit Application System.
All grain millers are directed to buy their maize from the Grain Marketing Board.
All import permits issued before this announcement will automatically expire on 31 May 2021 to allow for the smooth movement of goods in transit.
This notice is issued under the provisions of the AMA Act, Statutory Instrument 140 of 2013, which regulates participation in the production, buying or processing of any grain, oilseeds and products by producers, buyers or processors.
Any inconvenience caused is sincerely regretted.
For any further inquiries, the public can contact AMA Communications Department through the following number (0242)308662-4 extension 117 or by email info@ama.co.zw