Tanzania Revamps EAC CET to Drive Economic Growth and Empower Local Businesses

Dodoma, Tanzania: In a strategic move to bolster domestic production and empower local industries, Tanzania has announced adjustments to the East African Community Common External Tariff (EAC CET) as part of the 2024/25 budget. Presented by Finance Minister Hon. Dr. Mwigulu Lameck Nchemba Madelu, these changes aim to stimulate economic growth by nurturing the nation’s manufacturing and agricultural sectors.

Targeted Adjustments for Domestic Advantage

The Tanzanian government has proposed several modifications to the EAC CET, strategically aligning them with national economic goals. Most notably, the tariff on crude vegetable oils derived from soybeans, groundnuts, coconuts, mustard, and linseed will increase from 0% to 10% annually. This strategic move aims to level the playing field with the existing 10% duty on sunflower and cottonseed oils, thereby incentivizing domestic production of a wider variety of vegetable oils.

Furthermore, the government plans to implement a 35% duty rate on specific horticultural products like apples and pears, exceeding the standard 25% EAC CET rate. This measure seeks to shield local farmers and horticultural producers from increased foreign competition, fostering their growth and resilience.

Empowering Local Industries: A Multifaceted Approach

The revised EAC CET is anticipated to deliver a multitude of benefits for Tanzanian industries:

• Boosting Domestic Agriculture and Manufacturing: Increased tariffs on imported oils and select horticultural products will create a more favorable environment for local producers. Domestic producers can gain a significant edge by making imported options less competitive, leading to potentially higher investments in agricultural and manufacturing sectors.
• Enhancing Food Security: Tanzania aims to reduce its reliance on imported vegetable oils by promoting the cultivation and processing of oilseeds like soybeans and groundnuts. This strategy is expected to contribute to a more stable supply of essential commodities and strengthen national food security.
• Diversifying the Economy: The tariff adjustments are part of a broader strategy to diversify the Tanzanian economy. Encouraging the local production of various crops and manufactured goods fosters a more resilient economic structure, capable of withstanding fluctuations in the global market.
• Job Creation and Rural Development: Increased local production necessitates additional labor, leading to job creation opportunities, particularly in rural areas. This development is crucial for poverty alleviation and improving the livelihoods of Tanzanians in agrarian communities.
• Revenue Generation: Higher tariffs on imported goods will increase government revenue. These additional funds can be strategically reinvested into development projects across various sectors, further propelling national progress.

Navigating the Path Forward

While the adjustments to the EAC CET hold promise for local industries, challenges must be addressed. The government must ensure that domestic producers can effectively meet the anticipated rise in demand while maintaining high-quality standards. Additionally, short-term inflationary pressures may arise as the market adjusts to the new pricing structures.

Building a Self-Reliant Future

The adjustments to the EAC CET in the 2024/25 budget underscore Tanzania’s commitment to nurturing local industries and achieving economic self-reliance. The government aims to build a robust and diversified economy by fostering and protecting domestic production. These measures are anticipated to yield long-term benefits, including enhanced food security, job creation, increased government revenue, and ultimately, contribute to the achievement of Tanzania’s sustainable development goals.