BREAKING: President Boakai Removes Rice Import Tax to Lower Prices and Ease Cost of Living

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has signed Executive Order No. 150, officially extending the suspension of import tariffs on rice Liberia’s most essential food staple.

The Executive Order, which takes immediate effect, eliminates tariffs on two key categories of imported rice:

• HS Code 1006.30.10.00 – Semi-milled or wholly milled rice in bulk or over 5kg packages

• HS Code 1006.40.00.00 – Broken rice

This decision continues the relief first introduced under Executive Order No. 125 and is intended to boost food security, stabilize local markets, and provide direct economic relief to struggling households.

President Boakai emphasized that this move is part of a broader national strategy to protect the purchasing power of Liberians amid global inflation and supply chain challenges. He reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to easing economic pressure on families across the country.

All relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Liberia Revenue Authority, have been instructed to ensure the swift and full implementation of the order.

What It Means for Liberians

1. Cheaper Rice Prices

By suspending import tariffs (taxes on rice brought into the country), the cost of importing rice drops. This should lead to lower prices at the market, especially for commonly consumed types like broken rice and semi- or wholly milled rice.

2. More Stable Supply of Rice

With fewer restrictions and added costs on importers, there’s a greater incentive to bring more rice into Liberia, helping to prevent shortages and keep shelves stocked.

3. Relief from the High Cost of Living

Rice is the staple food in Liberia. When rice prices go up, it puts a heavy burden on families. By removing import taxes, the government is directly easing pressure on household budgets, especially for low- and middle-income families.

4. Improved Food Security

Ensuring rice remains affordable and available supports national food stability—a critical step during times of economic uncertainty or global inflation.

5. Signal of Government Action

This move shows that the Boakai administration is taking concrete steps to address economic hardship. It also puts pressure on importers and sellers to pass the savings on to consumers instead of hoarding profits.

In Short:

Liberians can expect cheaper rice, more supply, and a small but meaningful break from the tough economic conditions many are currently facing. But much depends on how well this policy is enforced—and whether businesses cooperate by lowering prices accordingly.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.