Published: November 2, 2026
MONROVIA — A group of Liberian businesswomen has announced plans to petition the Legislature on Tuesday, Nov. 3, over mounting challenges threatening the survival of locally owned businesses, including prolonged import delays, high banking costs, excessive taxation and alleged unfair competition from foreign traders.
Operating under the banner “China Business Women United With One Voice/Consortium of Liberia Importers,” the traders are calling for urgent legislative intervention to address five major concerns they say are undermining local commerce and placing businesses at risk of collapse.
Ahead of the planned petition, the businesswomen disclosed that goods imported from China, their primary source of merchandise, now take between three and six months or longer to arrive in Liberia.
According to the group, the prolonged delays have tied up substantial business capital, disrupted commercial activities and made it increasingly difficult for traders to meet financial obligations.
The businesswomen also raised concerns over high bank interest rates, excessive transaction charges and short loan repayment periods.
They are urging lawmakers to engage the Central Bank of Liberia and commercial banks to introduce a minimum 90-day grace period before borrowers begin repaying business loans.
On taxation, the traders called for a review of the existing tax regime, arguing that rising shipping costs, commercial rents, loan obligations and other operating expenses have increased the financial burden on local businesses.
The group further demanded stronger enforcement of Liberia’s Liberianization Policy, which reserves certain business activities for Liberian citizens.
They alleged that some foreign traders, particularly Chinese merchants, are importing and selling similar products at significantly lower prices, making it difficult for Liberian-owned businesses to compete.
The allegations of unfair competition have not been independently verified.
“We respectfully urge the Liberian Legislature and relevant authorities to address these concerns with urgency,” the group stated.
The businesswomen maintained that government intervention is necessary to protect Liberian entrepreneurship, preserve employment opportunities and sustain local economic activities.
Their planned petition comes as the Liberian Senate prepares to question major port stakeholders over reported delays and rising costs associated with the importation and clearance of goods.
On Oct. 27, 2026, the Senate voted to summon key institutions and companies operating within Liberia’s port sector to appear before its Committee of the Whole on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
The decision followed a communication from Gbarpolu County Sen. Amara M. Konneh, who raised concerns about what he described as a growing crisis affecting importers and commercial activities.
Those summoned include the National Port Authority, APM Terminals Liberia, MEDTECH Scientific Limited, Global Tracking and Maritime Solutions, the Liberia Revenue Authority’s Customs Department, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and representatives of customs brokers.
Senator Konneh informed his colleagues that importers have repeatedly complained about prolonged delays in container movement and clearance, both at sea and within port facilities.
He also cited concerns about increasing transaction costs, which importers say are affecting business operations and the movement of goods.
The Senate’s scheduled hearing and the businesswomen’s planned petition are expected to place renewed attention on import procedures, commercial regulations and the challenges confronting Liberian-owned businesses.
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