The Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) and the National Bakers Association of Zimbabwe (NBAZ) have called for the immediate repeal of Statutory Instrument 87 of 2025, which introduced new levies on imported grains and oilseeds.
In a strongly worded letter dated May 27 to the Agriculture ministry permanent secretary Obert Jiri, GMAZ national chairman Tafadzwa Musarara warned the levies would trigger significant price increases and undermine national food security.
The levies, imposed by the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) from May 11, 2026, include US$89.25 per metric tonne on imported soft wheat, US$40 per tonne on imported maize, and US$35 per tonne on imported soya meal.
GMAZ and NBAZ project that a 10kg bag of roller meal would rise from US$4,60 to US$5,20 — a 13% increase — while bread could reach at least US$1,15 per loaf.
Stockfeed prices are expected to increase by 18%, raising costs for meat and milk products.
“We are astounded by the imposition of these levies as they will hit hard on consumer affordability of basic commodities,” Musarara wrote.
The associations argued the levies would disproportionately affect Matabeleland provinces, where local maize production has struggled to meet demand.
Millers in Matabeleland have faced persistent shortages of locally grown maize, and 21 milling companies in Bulawayo reportedly closed in 2025 due to inadequate local supplies.
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“It is only prudent that these provinces be allowed to import maize from South Africa to mitigate the huge disparity between demand and local stocks. Imposing a US$40 import levy in such a scenario is insensitive, unfair and unreasonable,” the letter reads.
The organisations also challenged the legality of the statutory instrument, arguing it violates the constitution and the Agricultural Marketing Act.
They said imported grains have historically been exempted from customs duty and VAT because of their importance in producing staple foods.
The associations demanded the repeal of SI 87 of 2025 and that AMA refund all levies already collected — approximately US$9 million.
They warned that failure to respond favourably would result in urgent court action.
The minister is yet to respond to the final demand letter.
