Duala, Liberia– Local vendors in Duala Market are calling on the Government of Liberia to review the country’s tax policies, arguing that the 13 percent Goods and Services Tax (GST) is increasing the cost of doing business and placing a growing financial burden on traders, local farmers, and consumers.
Speaking during interviews with the Liberian the vendors said the current GST has contributed to higher prices for imported goods, forcing retailers to pass the additional costs on to customers.
“We are asking the government to reduce the taxes because it is the ordinary people who are suffering,” one vendor said. “Everything we buy has become expensive, and when we bring the goods to the market, we have no choice but to increase the prices.”
The vendors explained that the high tax burden affects the entire supply chain, from importers to wholesalers, retailers, and ultimately consumers. They noted that many essential household items have become increasingly difficult for low-income families to afford.
According to the vendors, the impact of the 13 percent GST extends beyond urban markets and is also affecting local farmers, who face higher costs for farming tools, transportation, fertilizers, packaging materials, and other agricultural inputs.
“The farmers are also suffering,” another vendor stated. “When the cost of doing business goes up because of taxes, everyone pays the price. Farmers spend more to produce their crops, traders spend more to transport and sell them, and consumers end up paying more in the market.”
The vendors cited imported plastic goods and other everyday commodities as examples of products whose prices have risen due to taxes and other import-related charges. They said retailers are often left with little choice but to increase prices to recover their costs.
They are now urging the Government of Liberia, particularly the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, to review the country’s tax regime and introduce measures that would reduce the cost of doing business while making essential goods more affordable.
The vendors believe that lowering the tax burden would help stabilize market prices, improve business activity, support local farmers, and provide much-needed relief to Liberians grappling with the rising cost of living.
In April this year, the Government of Liberia announced the increment of Goods and Services Tax from 12% to 13%.
The increment ignited public debate and conversation at market places and intellectual centers with many believe that the increment is unjustified, arguing that the government has not done much to improve the livelihood of the people especially markets and ordinary consumers who are mostly affected by the change in GST rate.