Tanzania threatens trade ban on Malawi, South Africa over market access dispute
The standoff could cost Tanzanian farmers and traders millions of dollars.
TANZANIA – Tanzania has warned it will stop agricultural imports from Malawi and South Africa starting Wednesday, April 23, 2025, if the two countries do not reverse trade decisions that have blocked Tanzanian produce.
The move comes after Malawi imposed a ban on Tanzanian agricultural goods, including flour, rice, ginger, bananas, and most recently, maize. Tanzania’s Minister for Agriculture, Hussein Bashe, called the restrictions unfair and harmful to local farmers and traders.
Strained Ties with Malawi
In a post shared on LinkedIn, Mr. Bashe stated, “The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania has received official reports that the Republic of Malawi has imposed a ban on the importation of various agricultural products originating from Tanzania.”
He further explained, “This unilateral move has adversely affected Tanzanian traders who rely on the Malawian market for their produce.”
Efforts to resolve the issue diplomatically have so far failed. Mr. Bashe said no formal response has come from Malawi’s Ministry of Agriculture despite several outreach efforts. As a result, Tanzania is preparing to respond firmly if the restrictions are not lifted.
“If Malawi and South Africa do not reverse their decisions by Wednesday next week, the Government of Tanzania will impose a ban on the importation of all agricultural produce and agro-based products from these two countries,” the Minister warned.
He added that the suspension will include the transit of goods from Malawi and South Africa through Tanzania, including via the Port of Dar es Salaam.
Ongoing frustration with South Africa
Tanzania’s frustrations are not limited to Malawi. Mr. Bashe also pointed to ongoing challenges with South Africa, particularly over market access for Tanzanian bananas.
“For the past five years, the Government of Tanzania has made continuous efforts to secure market access for our bananas in South Africa, efforts which, unfortunately, have yet to yield results.”
He noted that a similar issue previously affected avocado exports and only saw progress when Tanzania took its own trade actions.
Tanzanian traders have been advised to halt any shipments to both Malawi and South Africa. This includes fertilizer exports to Malawi and agricultural imports such as apples and oranges from South Africa.
Possible economic fallout
These trade measures could carry major financial consequences. In 2023, Tanzania exported agricultural goods worth US$64.66 million to Malawi.
Exports to South Africa were valued at US$1.12 billion, with edible fruits, nuts, and citrus peels accounting for US$2.02 million and coffee, tea, and spices contributing US$7.90 million.
As tensions rise, Tanzania says the actions are not meant to provoke but to protect its own. “These measures are being undertaken in defense of our farmers, our traders, and the principle of fair regional trade,” Mr. Bashe said. “Tanzania will not continue to allow unequal market access to persist at the expense of its people.”
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