Monrovia — President Joseph Boakai has issued Executive Order 125 suspending import tariffs on rice in a bid to alleviate economic burdens on Liberians.

This, according to the Executive Order, is in recognition of rice being the country's staple food, hence the need to make it affordable to every Liberian.

Currently, a 25kg of broken rice is sold for US$20 as the retail price.

Liberia, heavily reliant on imported rice, faces a pressing issue as assessments and evaluations by the government reveal a continuous increase in the price of rice for the foreseeable future. This surge in rice prices threatens to exacerbate the economic burden on citizens and residents within the country's borders.

Under the terms of Executive Order #125, the import tariff on rice classified under HS Codes 1006.30.10.00 (semi-milled or wholly milled rice, whether polished or glazed and in packings of more than 5kg or in bulk) and 1006.40.00.00 (broken rice) under the Revenue Code of Liberia Act 2000 is suspended with immediate effect.

The objective of this measure is to ease the economic burden on citizens, maintain stability, and ensure the marketability and accessibility of rice. By suspending import tariffs, the government aims to offset the increasing high cost of rice.