In April this year, the Gambian government drastically increased the tax on cement imported from Senegal.
On June 8, 2024, the Gambian government announced the reopening of the border to allow cement trucks stuck between Gambia and Senegal to deliver their cargo.
According to the Gambian Ministry of Information, “The Government of The Gambia, through the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, has ordered the immediate release of all trucks of cement currently held at the border between Gambia and Senegal. This directive takes effect immediately in order to remedy the stock situation at the border. »
The ministry stressed that this action is exceptional and aims only to eliminate the existing backlog. Import measures for bagged cement will remain in effect after the release of current trucks.
In Gambia, the Cement Importers and Traders Association (CITA) has urged the government to allow the entry into the country of the numerous trucks loaded with cement blocked at the Senegal border since May 16.
In April this year, the Gambian government drastically increased the tax on 30-ton trucks of cement imported from Senegal from 30,000 dalasis (approximately US$575) to 180,000 dalasis (approximately US$3,450) . The government said the move was necessary to protect local cement “producers”.
During his visit to Banjul, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye raised this issue with his Gambian counterpart, Adama Barrow, leading to the suspension of the increase. According to the 2022 report of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, Senegal exported 584,000 tonnes of cement, worth more than 25 billion CFA francs, or $41 million, to The Gambia, thus positioning itself Banjul as Dakar’s second client after Bamako.
AC/APA
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