Customs Chief Accuses Critics of Bias, Vows to Address Steel Imports

May 4 , 2024


[ssba-buttons]

  Steel manufacturers' struggles and the impact of duty-free imports on domestic production have caught the attention of parliamentarians. During the Customs Commission's presentation of its nine-month performance, an MP directed a question to Commissioner Debele Kabeta, seeking clarification on the measures being taken by his institution to mitigate the influx of imports that are negatively affecting local manufacturers. While the source remains elusive, over 56 million Br worth of contraband steel was confiscated by the Commission. Debele acknowledged the issues faced by domestic producers. He said they have conducted a thorough review of the situation along with manufacturers. However, he cautioned that there may be "vested interests" presenting a one-sided narrative. According to a study commissioned by the Association of Ethiopian Basic Metals & Engineering Industries, the steel industry is on the verge of collapse due to policies heavily favouring importers. A study done by Ruhe Long & Flat Products Consultancy Plc found that manufacturers are crippled by a lack of raw materials, limited to a fraction of their 1.5 million tons monthly needs, while importers enjoy duty-free privileges. Customer service concerns at the Airport Branch were also addressed by parliamentarians. Debele raised concerns about unsubstantiated claims potentially being spread by those with "vested interests" aiming to undermine trust in the institution. "When scratching the surface," said Debele, "such claims may reveal ties to contraband activities."


Radar

US Renews National Emergency, Sanctions on Ethiopia

The United States has extended the national emergency and sanctions on Ethiopia for another year under the African Growth & Opportunity Act (AGOA). Signed by President Donald J. Trump, the measure was first declared on September 17, 2021, through an executive order citing the conflict in northern region of the country as an "unusual and extraordinary" threat to U.S. national security and foreign policy. The extension, effective until September 17, 2026, keeps in place restrictions targeti...


Radar

Rockefeller Pitches Clean Cooking to Curb School Meal Emissions

A recent study has revealed the staggering environmental toll of school feeding programs. A single school serving 400 students can burn through the equivalent of 56 hectares of forest each year to fuel cooking. The Rockefeller Foundation flagged the health risks too, with most cooks, predominantly women, breathing smoke levels ten times higher than the World Health Organisation's safe limit. "If every school meal transitioned to clean cooking with electricity and solar, the emissions saved wo...


Radar

Sun-Powered Grid Brings Light to Qunbi District

A new 600KW solar mini-grid in East Hararge'sQunbi district has connected 2,200 households to electricity, marking a milestone in the recent rural electrification push. Ethiopian Electric Utility (EEU) laid seven kilometres of medium-voltage and 10 kilometres of low-voltage lines, installing four transformers to reach communities long cut off from power. Customers cover only meter and installation costs before accessing the service. The project is part of the national strategy to expand energ...