–Signs Executive Order #139
President Joseph N. Boakai has signed Executive Order #139, suspending tariff on agriculture products. President Boakai emphasized in the order that the Government of Liberia (GOL) remains committed to advancing the forestry and agricultural sectors of Liberia by taking decisive action to enhance macroeconomic stability and support to private-sector-led growth.
The President said it is projected that temporarily suspending tariffs on agricultural inputs will lead to increased access to high-quality agricultural inputs at more affordable prices; enhanced agricultural productivity, making activities commercially viable; and sustained income levels for local farmers, thereby promoting economic stability.
“Whereas, in the exercise of the Executive powers vested in the President by the Constitution of the Republic of Liberia, the President may issue an Executive Order in the public interest, either to meet emergencies or to correct particular situations which cannot await lengthy legislative processes;
“Now therefore, the Government of Liberia hereby issues this Executive Order that suspends import tariffs on the types of agricultural products and equipment, directly related to agriculture development, as attached to and forming a cogent part of this Executive Order,” Executive Order #139 noted.
Accordingly, President Boakai has mandated the Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Augustine Ngafuan, in consultation with the Minister of Agriculture and the Commissioner General of the Liberia Revenue Authority, to formulate administrative regulations to streamline the tax exemption process for eligible beneficiaries within the agricultural sector.
“Importers of agricultural inputs shall only be required to pay Customs Users Fees (CUF) and, where applicable, the ECOWAS Trade Levy (ETL); beneficiaries qualifying for these exemptions under this Executive Order must demonstrate direct involvement in the agricultural sector, as verified by the Ministry of Agriculture,” President Boakai ordered.
The President noted that the Executive Order takes immediate effect, and is in the public interest to support farmers and stimulate agricultural growth, observing that it is imperative that all stakeholders comply with the outlined provisions.