In a move aimed at reducing the cost of living and ensuring food affordability, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has signed Executive Order No. 150, officially suspending import tariffs on key categories of rice.
The order, issued from the Executive Mansion Wednesday, extends the provisions of Executive Order No. 125, reaffirming the government’s commitment to keeping Liberia’s staple food within reach for all citizens amid rising economic pressures.
According to the Executive Mansion, the new directive removes import duties on rice falling under the following Harmonized System (HS) codes:
1006.30.10.00 – Semi-milled or wholly milled rice, whether or not polished or glazed, in packings of more than 5kg or in bulk
1006.40.00.00 – Broken rice.
The suspension takes immediate effect and is intended to promote food security, market stability, and economic relief for households across Liberia.
“With the cost of living increasing and rice being central to our diet, this decision is about protecting the purchasing power of Liberians,” President Boakai said in a statement. “We remain committed to practical policies that ease the financial burden on ordinary people.”
The President has tasked the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Liberia Revenue Authority, and other relevant agencies to ensure the full and timely implementation of the executive order.
Rice is the primary food staple in Liberia, and its price is often a barometer of public sentiment and economic well-being. Analysts say the tariff suspension could help stabilize market prices and prevent shortages in the short term.
The move is part of a broader economic strategy by the Boakai administration to respond to both local hardships and global economic volatility.
