Multiple taxation, non-tariff barriers, killing businesses, says trade minister

National Chamber of Commerce has equally cautioned of the flawed and burdensome taxation system, warning that it could lead to a shutdown of business

By James Chatim

The national Minister for Trade and Industry, Atong Kuol Manyang Juuk on Monday said her office has received reports that businesses are closing as a result of multiple taxation, non-tariff barriers, roadblocks, harassments and unauthorized levies.

Speaking during the closing of a two-day workshop organized by the Ministry of Trade and Industry in Juba on Monday, the minister urged the participants to come out with constructive solutions to the issue facing businesses.

“Our local currency is losing value every time. Many businesses, whether national or foreign, that are here (in South Sudan), are closing. I was even hearing some hotels are planning to close and go to DRC,” Atong said.

“It is worrying for us if businesses are closing. Even some supermarkets are thinking of closing. Therefore, coming to meet here is important. I think we have convened here at the right time so that we look into those issues,” she said.

“When we sit here and put our voices together and discuss, it will be easier since we will move forward together and this will be much more serious and impactful. Now, throughout the two days, I know we have all defined the problems that are there. We have already generated solutions and already evaluated most of the solutions,” Atong highlighted.

The minister mentioned that the key business threats, which include multiple taxation, non-tariff barriers, roadblocks, harassment, unauthorized levies, and unregulated trade practices, if left unchecked, could jeopatrdize the businesses and ultimately barter the economy.

“For the Ministry of Trade and Industry, our main focus, we want to improve the business environment so that the traders can easily do their businesses. Focusing on empowering the small, medium enterprises, as well as youth and women in particular,” Atong further stated.

Speaking at a press conference in January, Hon. Mayen Deng, the Chairperson of the Standing Specialized Committee on Trade and Industry, said the Financial Act (2024-2025) was designed to help salvage the tough economic situation that the South Sudanese public was enduring by ensuring the realization of the projected revenues, especially after the flow of oil was disrupted by the war in Sudan, but its implementation deviated from the expectations.

Hon. Mayen stated businessmen raised several complaints on taxes imposed on imported food commodities, which were zero-rated by Parliament. Meanwhile, there were an array of continuous illegal charges not stipulated in the Finance Act. This, in addition to the duplicated charges by different institutions that the committee identified to be existing, and which the Act was to address.

Mayen emphasized on the need for the Ministry of Trade and Industry to estimate the overall cost of essential products and their projected retail prices. These, he advised, should be published weekly in the newspapers and the media to create awareness in the market.

Last Thursday, the national Chamber of Commerce expressed concern over ‘flawed and burdensome taxation system, and warned that it was the reason many businesses are winding up operations in the country.

Chamber’s Deputy Chairperson, John Lual, criticized the multiple and uncoordinated taxes imposed by various government institutions, blaming them for the challenges faced by national and foreign traders in the country.

“We are unknowingly engaged in a trade war in South Sudan. Institutional inefficiency is crippling the business environment. We are not doing what we are supposed to do,” Lual said during the opening session of the First National Trade Forum 2025 in Juba.

“This disorganized taxation has directly led to increased prices in the market. Everyone, government officials and even ordinary citizens, are trying to collect revenue. The high level of taxation is killing businesses and scaring off investors,” he added.