Rising container charges threaten tanzania’s economy

[Respicius Mwijage]

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“Urgent Measures Needed in the 2024/2025 Budget”​

Introduction

Our country (Tanzania) is currently facing a severe economic challenge due to a sharp rise in container charges for imported goods. The costs have skyrocketed from USD 3,000 to USD 9,000 per container, covering Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF). This dramatic increase poses significant threats to the country's economy, impacting consumers, small businesses, and overall market stability. As the 2024/2025 annual budget session is underway, it is crucial for the government to implement strategic measures to mitigate these adverse effects.

Economic Impacts of Rising Container Charges
The sudden rush in container charges is expected to drive up the prices of imported goods, making them unaffordable for a large portion of the Tanzanian population. The economic tension is particularly concerning given that many Tanzanians already face financial hardships. For small-scale business owners, who operate with limited capital, the increased costs may make it impossible to continue importing goods. This could lead to a scarcity of essential items, worsening economic pressures on consumers and potentially causing widespread dissatisfaction and unrest.

Proposed Strategic Measures
To address these pressing issues, the following strategic measures should be considered and incorporated into the national budget:

Reduce Customs Import Tax Rates
Lowering import tax rates, including import duty, excise duty, and Value Added Tax (VAT), can help offset the increased cost of container charges. Implementing a zero rate on VAT or any lower rate would provide immediate relief to consumers and businesses, ensuring goods remain accessible and preventing a sharp market decline.

Expand the Tax Base
By identifying and tapping into untaxed areas, the government can increase revenue without overburdening existing taxpayers. This strategy involves a thorough examination of potential tax sources that have not been fully utilized, thereby broadening the revenue base and distributing the tax burden more equitably.

Improve Tax Management and Collection Mechanisms
Enhancing the efficiency and transparency of tax collection is crucial. Measures should be implemented to reduce tax evasion and avoidance, ensuring all due taxes are collected. Additionally, addressing factors leading to corruption between tax administrators and taxpayers can significantly improve the integrity of the tax system.

Detailed Examination of Proposed Measures

Reducing Customs Import Tax Rates
The reduction of customs import tax rates is a critical step in mitigating the economic impact of rising container charges. By lowering import duty, excise duty, and VAT to zero, the government can directly counteract the increased transportation costs. This measure would make imported goods more affordable, benefiting consumers and businesses alike. Immediate relief in this form would help maintain market stability and prevent a sharp decline in consumer purchasing power.

Expanding the Tax Base
Expanding the tax base involves identifying untapped tax sources and incorporating them into the existing tax framework. This approach can increase government revenue without raising taxes on current taxpayers. Potential areas for expansion include the informal sector, digital economy, and untaxed properties. A broader tax base would ensure a more equitable distribution of the tax burden, reducing the financial strain on consumers and businesses already affected by high container charges.

Improving Tax Management and Collection Mechanisms
Effective tax management and collection are vital for ensuring that all due taxes are collected efficiently and transparently. The government should implement measures to reduce tax evasion and avoidance, including the use of advanced technology for tracking transactions and taxpayer compliance. Additionally, tackling corruption within the tax administration will improve public trust in the tax system and ensure a fairer economic environment.

Conclusion
The unprecedented rise in container charges presents a significant threat to Tanzania’s economic stability. However, proactive and strategic planning, reflected in the upcoming national budget, can mitigate these impacts. Reducing import taxes, expanding the tax base, and improving tax management are crucial steps that will alleviate immediate pressures and strengthen Tanzania’s economic resilience in the long term. The government’s response during this budget session is critical in directing this economic challenge and maintaining public trust.

By incorporating these measures into the 2024/2025 budget, Tanzania can stabilize its economy, protect small businesses, and ensure the availability of essential goods for all its citizens. The time for action is now, and the government must rise to the occasion to safeguard the nation's economic future.

The author, Respicius E. Mwijage (Tax lawyer).
E-mail: remwijage@yahoo.com
Mob: +255 688 526 718

 

[Madwari Madwari]

​

“Urgent Measures Needed in the 2024/2025 Budget”​

Introduction

Our country (Tanzania) is currently facing a severe economic challenge due to a sharp rise in container charges for imported goods. The costs have skyrocketed from USD 3,000 to USD 9,000 per container, covering Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF). This dramatic increase poses significant threats to the country's economy, impacting consumers, small businesses, and overall market stability. As the 2024/2025 annual budget session is underway, it is crucial for the government to implement strategic measures to mitigate these adverse effects.

Economic Impacts of Rising Container Charges
The sudden rush in container charges is expected to drive up the prices of imported goods, making them unaffordable for a large portion of the Tanzanian population. The economic tension is particularly concerning given that many Tanzanians already face financial hardships. For small-scale business owners, who operate with limited capital, the increased costs may make it impossible to continue importing goods. This could lead to a scarcity of essential items, worsening economic pressures on consumers and potentially causing widespread dissatisfaction and unrest.

Proposed Strategic Measures
To address these pressing issues, the following strategic measures should be considered and incorporated into the national budget:

Reduce Customs Import Tax Rates
Lowering import tax rates, including import duty, excise duty, and Value Added Tax (VAT), can help offset the increased cost of container charges. Implementing a zero rate on VAT or any lower rate would provide immediate relief to consumers and businesses, ensuring goods remain accessible and preventing a sharp market decline.

Expand the Tax Base
By identifying and tapping into untaxed areas, the government can increase revenue without overburdening existing taxpayers. This strategy involves a thorough examination of potential tax sources that have not been fully utilized, thereby broadening the revenue base and distributing the tax burden more equitably.

Improve Tax Management and Collection Mechanisms
Enhancing the efficiency and transparency of tax collection is crucial. Measures should be implemented to reduce tax evasion and avoidance, ensuring all due taxes are collected. Additionally, addressing factors leading to corruption between tax administrators and taxpayers can significantly improve the integrity of the tax system.

Detailed Examination of Proposed Measures

Reducing Customs Import Tax Rates
The reduction of customs import tax rates is a critical step in mitigating the economic impact of rising container charges. By lowering import duty, excise duty, and VAT to zero, the government can directly counteract the increased transportation costs. This measure would make imported goods more affordable, benefiting consumers and businesses alike. Immediate relief in this form would help maintain market stability and prevent a sharp decline in consumer purchasing power.

Expanding the Tax Base
Expanding the tax base involves identifying untapped tax sources and incorporating them into the existing tax framework. This approach can increase government revenue without raising taxes on current taxpayers. Potential areas for expansion include the informal sector, digital economy, and untaxed properties. A broader tax base would ensure a more equitable distribution of the tax burden, reducing the financial strain on consumers and businesses already affected by high container charges.

Improving Tax Management and Collection Mechanisms
Effective tax management and collection are vital for ensuring that all due taxes are collected efficiently and transparently. The government should implement measures to reduce tax evasion and avoidance, including the use of advanced technology for tracking transactions and taxpayer compliance. Additionally, tackling corruption within the tax administration will improve public trust in the tax system and ensure a fairer economic environment.

Conclusion
The unprecedented rise in container charges presents a significant threat to Tanzania’s economic stability. However, proactive and strategic planning, reflected in the upcoming national budget, can mitigate these impacts. Reducing import taxes, expanding the tax base, and improving tax management are crucial steps that will alleviate immediate pressures and strengthen Tanzania’s economic resilience in the long term. The government’s response during this budget session is critical in directing this economic challenge and maintaining public trust.

By incorporating these measures into the 2024/2025 budget, Tanzania can stabilize its economy, protect small businesses, and ensure the availability of essential goods for all its citizens. The time for action is now, and the government must rise to the occasion to safeguard the nation's economic future.

The author, Respicius E. Mwijage (Tax lawyer).
E-mail: remwijage@yahoo.com
Mob: +255 688 526 71

Serikali inatafuta dola kwa sababu wafanyabiashara wakubwa wanaofanya importation ni wenye asili ya asia. Muagizaji mkubwa wa mafuta ana asili ya asia. Sasa hawa waaagizaji wanahitaji dola na kwa sababu wana asili ya nje wanawekeza faida huko makwao. Yaani tumempa mtu tenda ya kuagiza mafuta ambaye hana hata uhusiano na mafuta yanapotoka ni dalali. Mtu kama huyu akipata faida anarudisha kwao halafu baadae tunakuja kuulizana dola zinaenda wapi.