Fresh tomatoes are washed and prepared for processing at the Sharezur Tomato Processing Plant in Halabja. The facility receives produce from farmers across the region to produce tomato paste. Photo by 964media
Iraq imposes 25% tariff on imported tomato paste to support local producers
BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Council of Ministers on Tuesday approved a 25% customs duty on imported tomato paste, saying the move is intended to protect and encourage domestic production.
The cabinet said in a statement that the tariff will apply to each unit of imported tomato paste for four years without reduction and will take effect four months after the date of issuance.
“The Council of Ministers approved imposing a customs duty on the unit of measurement of the imported product of tomato paste at a rate of 25% for a period of four years without reduction, provided that this decision is implemented four months from the date of its issuance,” the statement said.
The decision was issued under the amended Law No. 11 of 2011, which regulates measures designed to safeguard local industries against foreign competition.