Sana'a: The two ministries of Finance, Economy, Industry, and Investment have revealed a groundbreaking joint decision aimed at protecting and fostering local production. This announcement was directed toward the investment sector and productive families, marking the first collaboration between the ministries to bolster the domestic market.
According to Yemen News Agency, the joint decision is anchored in Investment Law No. 3 of 1446 AH/2025 AD, along with other pertinent legislation. These include significant measures to support local production, aligning with the Government of Change and Construction's program approved by the House of Representatives. This initiative includes various incentives and privileges for local industries to thrive.
Effective August 1, 2025, the decision enforces a ban on importing specific goods that have locally produced equivalents. These local products are deemed to meet market demands in terms of quality and price competitiveness. The list of banned imports includes ready-made canned liquid dairy products, non-natural juices (flavored syrup), healthy mineral water, paper towels, ready-made sponges, galvanized iron poles, hollow iron pipes and tubes, flat products made of hangar iron, daggers, and belts used for whipping.
The decision also outlines new restrictions on import quantities, customs tariff amendments, and tax collections for specific imported goods lacking sufficient local equivalents. These measures will be implemented starting July 1, 2025. The affected goods include raw mango pulp, tomato paste and sauce, ready-made canned juices, soda water, ready-made refined sugar, baby diapers, ready-made canned legumes, halva, ready-made cartons, plastic pipes for water networks, women's bags and purses, packaging bags, plastic bottles and caps, and ceramic tiles.
The ministries have encouraged importers to consult the Foreign Trade Sector at the Ministry of Economy and the Customs Authority for further information and to comply with the new regulations. A comprehensive program is in place to ensure local factories can produce the required quantities for importers, maintaining their brand interests, as per earlier discussions with the stakeholders involved.