Ethiopia has removed import bans on more than 35 items but maintained its ban on imported fuel-powered cars, its Ministry of Finance said on Tuesday.
- In a letter signed by the Finance Minister, Ahmed Shide, the Ethiopian government has determined that 37 items that were on the list of banned imports would be traded freely, but imports of fuel-powered cars remained banned.
- Although no explicit reason was given, the decision is probably in line with the country’s determination to transition to electric or hybrid vehicles – a goal that the government thinks it can achieve by cutting off the supply of fuel-powered cars.
- Ethiopia became the first country in the world to ban fuel-powered cars, as one of its strategies to reduce reliance on fuel imports by 50%.
In October 2022, the Ethiopian government had listed several items whose importation was banned including: furniture, perfumes, make‑up, artificial flowers, headgear, artificial jewellery, carpets, umbrellas, watches and clocks, soaps, fireworks, artificial hair, bags and wallets.
Other products included canned fruit, sweet biscuits, waffles, seafood, chocolate, alcoholic drinks, water, and fruit juices. The decision to ban some imports was intended to uplift local production and reduce forex demand amidst biting shortage.
No Comment Found.