President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has issued Executive Order No. 156, which extends the provisions of a previous order aimed at supporting local manufacturing in Liberia.
The new executive order renews and updates measures first established under Executive Order No. 135. These measures include the introduction of Local Industry Development Surcharges on certain imported goods that are also produced locally. The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) will inform stakeholders about the specific rates and product categories affected by these surcharges.
Products now subject to the surcharge include flour, biscuits, soap, tissue, soft drinks, and metal products. The intention is to support Liberian manufacturers by reducing competition from imports and encouraging reinvestment in domestic production.
President Boakai stated that this move is consistent with Pillar One of the ARREST Agenda—covering Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism—which seeks to promote employment and improve national competitiveness.
He said: “Liberia’s prosperity depends on Liberians producing what they consume and adding value to what they export.” According to the president’s office, Executive Order No. 156 aims to build on progress made under the previous order while responding to current economic challenges faced by local producers.
The executive order is effective immediately.