MALAWI: Tanzania Threatens Trade Retaliation Against Malawi

By Smile Hamilton, Malawi

A heated trade dispute is brewing between Tanzania and Malawi, with Tanzania’s Minister of Agriculture, Hussein Bashe, warning of severe consequences if Malawi doesn’t lift its restrictions on Tanzanian agricultural imports.

The controversy began when Malawi’s Minister of Trade and Industry imposed bans on various Tanzanian agricultural products, including unmilled maize, flour, rice, ginger, and bananas.

According to sources, the decision was made to boost local production, reduce dependency on imports, and promote self-sufficiency in Malawi’s economy.

In response, Minister Bashe fired back, announcing that Tanzania would take drastic measures if the restrictions aren’t lifted.

Specifically, Tanzania plans to ban agricultural imports from Malawi and South Africa, suspend transit rights for Malawian and South African cargo through Tanzanian territory, including the Port of Dar es Salaam and halt fertilizer exports to Malawi

Bashe gave Malawi and South Africa a deadline of April 23, 2025, to reconsider their stance. The trade tensions have raised concerns about the impact on regional trade agreements, economic cooperation, and the livelihoods of farmers and traders in both countries.

Malawi’s Minister of Trade and Industry is standing firm on the decision, citing the need to protect and promote local industries. The situation remains tense, with both sides dug in and unwilling to back down. The outcome of this trade dispute remains to be seen.