Zimbabwe Proposes New Grain Import Levies As El Niño Food Risk Looms

Government is preparing to introduce a new set of levies on imported grain and oilseed products as authorities intensify efforts to finance irrigation expansion, reduce dependence on food imports and prepare for the anticipated El Niño weather conditions expected to affect the 2026/27 summer cropping season.

According to documents seen, the proposed measures include a US$40 per metric tonne levy on maize imports for a 90-day period, a US$20 per metric tonne levy on soyabeans until August 31, 2026…