-Suspends Rice Import Tariffs
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has taken assertive action to address Liberia’s growing food affordability crisis by signing Executive Order No. 150, which extends the suspension of import tariffs on rice. The order, issued from the Executive Mansion on June 5, 2025, aims to stabilize prices and ensure accessibility of Liberia’s staple food amid mounting economic pressures.
Recognizing rice as the dietary foundation for most Liberian households, the President’s directive specifically targets two critical rice classifications. The suspension applies to semi-milled or wholly milled rice packaged in quantities exceeding 5kg or in bulk (HS Code 1006.30.10.00), along with broken rice (HS Code 1006.40.00.00), which is particularly important for lower-income consumers. This policy continuation builds upon the provisions initially established under Executive Order No. 125.
The immediate implementation of this measure reflects the administration’s urgent response to worsening economic conditions that have severely impacted citizens’ purchasing power. With global commodity prices soaring and domestic inflation squeezing household budgets, the government hopes the tariff relief will translate into meaningful price reductions at local markets across Liberia.
President Boakai emphasized that this action forms part of a broader strategy to safeguard national food security while providing much-needed economic respite to ordinary Liberians struggling with the high cost of living. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with the Liberia Revenue Authority, has been directed to ensure swift and full compliance with the order at all ports of entry and distribution channels.
This intervention comes as Liberia remains heavily dependent on rice imports, with recent economic shocks exacerbating food accessibility challenges. The administration has pledged to monitor market responses closely while continuing to explore additional measures to stabilize essential commodity prices and protect vulnerable populations from hunger and malnutrition.
