Cabinet turns to cement imports to combat rapid pr...

Cabinet turns to cement imports to combat rapid price surges

**Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere**

Patience Muchemwa

Cabinet has, with immediate effect, approved the importation of cement by individuals and companies with free funds, following reports of alleged artificial cement shortage in the market, which has led to the spiralling of prices.

This comes as Cabinet noted reports of the spiralling prices of cement in the country as presented in a report on the cement industry market supply and demand situation by Industry and Commerce Minister, Dr Sithembiso Nyoni.

https://zimbabwenow.co.zw/articles/6908/rising-cement-shortages-spell-trouble-for-zims-building-industry

In a post-Cabinet briefing in Harare yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere said:

“Following reports of artificial cement shortage in the market and the spiralling prices, Cabinet has approved the import of cement by individuals and companies with free funds.”

Explaining the modalities of the cement importation, Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube said the duty and other levies will not likely impact the landed price, considering that even if they are factored, the price of the imported cement will still remain cheaper.

Prices of cement in the country have gone up by nearly 100 percent in the last couple of weeks mainly because of subdued local production, expiring import licences, leading to fewer imports and increased demand with a 50kg bag now priced from about US$20 to US$23 from around US$9.

The development has significantly impacted on the construction sector negatively, forcing property developers to pay more for the key input.