January 4, 2024

Tanzania bans soybean imports from Malawi due to virus threat

Tanzania has officially prohibited the import of soybeans from Malawi, citing concerns over the presence of the tobacco ringspot virus in its neighbouring country, VOA News reported.

The Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticide Authority highlighted the virus's significant risk to soybean production within Tanzania, where it is highly contagious and could lead to substantial yield reduction and economic losses ranging from 25% to 100%.

This decision comes after Malawi banned corn imports from Tanzania and Kenya due to maize lethal necrosis disease concerns.

Grace Mijiga-Mhango, president of the Grain Traders Association of Malawi, labelled the situation a trade war, suggesting that Tanzania's ban on Malawian soybeans is part of a broader economic dispute.

Tanzania, one of Malawi's prominent soybean importers, had previously committed to purchasing 100,000 metric tonnes of soybeans from Malawi, valued at approximately US$30 million. This ban could have a ripple effect beyond Tanzania's borders, affecting exports to other East African countries, according to Mijiga-Mhango.

Ronald Chilumpha, a Malawian expert in crop protection, proposed that a collaborative solution to address the diseases might have been more effective. He emphasised the migratory nature of plant diseases and pests, suggesting that joint discussions between Malawian and Tanzanian authorities could have led to a more constructive outcome.

In addition to soybeans, Tanzania has also imposed a ban on genetically modified corn seeds from Malawi, citing its commitment to maintaining a non-GMO status in agricultural practices.

-      VOA News