Zambian manufacturers urge "retaliatory" taxes against Zimbabwe

Manufacturers in Zambia on Friday called on the government to consider increasing taxes on imports from Zimbabwe in order to create a "level playing field" for trade following the neighboring country's decision to restrict imports.

The Zambia Association of Manufacturers said manufacturers were not happy with Zimbabwe's decision to impose import restrictions as it was being unfair to other countries.

"We do not welcome that move. If they cannot retract on that, I think it's time our government also retaliates because we cannot be accepting their products here whilst they are imposing certain restrictions on the imports in their country," Roseta Mwape, the association's president was quoted saying by the local Daily Nation newspaper.

According to her, Zambian businesses with dealings in Zimbabwe have lost out following the imposition of the restrictions.

Last month, authorities in Zimbabwe imposed restrictions on imports of a list of basic goods to protect local industries and stem an outflow of scarce U.S. dollars from the drought-hit economy.

Importers of the affected products which range from bottled water to furniture and canned beans to fertilizers are required to apply for special licenses and explain why they need them.

Other listed goods include building materials, steel products, cereals, potato crisps and dairy products. Endit