Smuggling of goods from Malawi has become a target of the tax authority, resulting in a notable increase in the cost of certain food products in the city of Lichinga.
According to Ibraimo Issufo, a seller at the Lichinga Municipal Market, most egg traders are forced to pay customs duties. This is due to increased pressure from importers who previously evaded taxes.
Ibraimo Issufo explained that the regulations for importing various goods into our country, such as eggs and live chickens, are incredibly strict. Almost everyone is forced to pay the stipulated fees at the Mandimba border, leaving very little room for exceptions.
As a result, the freight rate for freight transporters operating on the Mozambican side of the land border has been increased. The justification for this increase is the escalation in prices charged by gas stations for diesel, commonly used by heavy vehicles.
According to the interviewee, a gloomy forecast is on the horizon. The reason for this is rooted in the deterioration of access roads, which has resulted in substantial financial losses.
