THE government has imposed an immediate suspension of fertilizer exports to Malawi, directing local exporters to halt shipments to Malawi and South Africa until existing agro-sector trade barriers are lifted.

Hussein Bashe, the Agriculture minister, set out the measure in his official Instagram account, cautioning that the ban on Tanzanian maize to the two countries ought to have been lifted by mid next week.

If the bans remain in place by next Wednesday, Tanzania will implement a series of countermeasures aimed at protecting its economic interests, he said, citing a complete ban on all agricultural imports from both Malawi and South Africa.

Additionally, goods originating from these countries will be prohibited from transiting through Tanzania, including through the Dar es Salaam port and any routes to neighbouring countries, the minister intoned.

The import restrictions imposed by Malawi and South Africa have raised concerns among exporters of rice, flour, ginger, bananas and maize. These barriers are seen as a direct threat to the livelihoods of thousands of Tanzanian farmers who rely on regional markets for their produce.

On April 9, Malawi announced to ban the import of goods that are also home grown, including maize flour, rice, meat products, fruits and vegetables, following an expressed intention on 17th March that Malawians will no longer be permitted to import maize flour, fruits and vegetables that are grown locally, or fresh milk.

The minister issued a seven-day stay of execution to give the two countries space to reverse their bans on Tanzanian agricultural exports “or face retaliatory actions that could severely disrupt trade relations.”

He expressed frustration that despite five years of negotiations, efforts to secure market access for its bananas in South Africa had failed, piling up on Tanzania’s struggle over a decade ago to gain access to the country’s avocado market, “which was only resolved after strong economic actions were taken.”

“These measures are not about retaliation, but about protecting our farmers, our dignity, and the principles of fair trade,” the minister asserted, reflecting Tanzania’s firm stance at a critical moment in diminishing harmony in regional trade.

Persistent trade restrictions from member states, including Kenya, Uganda and now Malawi and South Africa, raise concerns about the effectiveness of these agreements, officials say.

“Through this ultimatum, Tanzania signals its readiness to take stronger action to protect its economy and agricultural sector from unfair trade practices. The government’s message is clear: Tanzania will no longer accept being a market for countries that impose unjust barriers against its products,” the minister declared.

With the deadline fast approaching, all eyes are on Malawi and South Africa to see if they will lift the restrictions, or if Tanzania will proceed with its planned retaliatory measures, potentially impacting regional trade and leading to a broader economic confrontation.