South Africa: Consultancy calls for removal of import duties on French fries

Published Nov 8, 2022

Tridge summary

The International Trade Administration Commission (Itac) in South Africa has imposed provisional duties on frozen fries imported from Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands, with rates as high as 190% for some countries. This has led to an 88% increase in the price of fries in South Africa. Donald MacKay, CEO of XA Global Trade Advisors, has criticized the duties, stating they are an unnecessary burden on consumers and contribute to the already high cost of living in the country. Itac's action is aimed at safeguarding local suppliers, despite the potential negative effects on consumers.

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Original content

This request comes on the back of the International Trade Administration Commission’s (Itac’s) recent imposition of provisional duties on frozen fries imported or originating from Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. The provisional duties imposed are as high as 190% for some countries. XA Global Trade Advisors CEO Donald MacKay: “We cannot continue to impose duty upon duty on food and expect it not to harm consumers. The duties on fries specifically have increased the price of fries by 88%, from R16/kg in 2021 to R30/kg in 2022. Duties are not in the public interest. They are just another form of tax that consumers have to bear and have the concerning consequence of increasing the cost of food in an already tightly squeezed consumer market. The time has come to take a hard ...

Source: Argenpapa