Libya issues two month vegetable export ban to reduce prices

After vegetable prices on the local markets increased, Libya has banned the export of fresh vegetables for two months in order to “maintain the stability of prices” the Ministry of Economy in Tripoli has announced.

Libya however is largely an importer of vegetables and does not produce enough to meet local demands alone, leading some to believe the decision will have little effect on the current prices. The most recent figure for its export of vegetables, in 2010, showed the value totalled only $32,000 with the biggest market being Mauritania.

On the other hand, Libya imported $105-million worth of vegetables from Tunisia in 2015 and $139 million from Egypt in 2014, these being the most recent years for which figures are available.

However, the recent closure of the Ras Jadir border crossing and continuing problems there, plus a ban on Egyptian imports, has caused a drop in supplies, with the inevitable knock-on effect of rising prices. While the Ras Jedir border point is partially open now, some items such as vegetables are being prevented from entry into the country.

source: libyaherald.com