The Ministry of Trade and Industry says that it is granting licences for the import of 16Mt over the financial year ending 7 July 2021, the 2021 financial year. The Ethiopian Press Agency has reported that the cause of the measure is a cement shortage resulting in inflated prices. The order requires importers to import a minimum of 3000t of cement, and to begin importing before 8 December 2020.
Director of communication affairs Wondimu Flate said, “The directive was prepared in order to enable cement factories to produce at their full potential and to connect those engaged in the sector from the manufacturer and importer to the retail business, with supply and distribution being monitored and used.”