Producers fear that a wave of duty-free imports could depress farmgate prices just as new-season barley and corn enter the domestic market.
EPOSPEA President Edao Abdi said the free trade area is opening a vast marketing frontier for producers across Ethiopia’s agrifood sector.
The deal builds on Invictus Investment’s existing partnership with MCB and reflects a shared commitment to advancing food security and trade flows into, within and out of Africa.
The 2022 ban was imposed due to a smaller harvest, rising inflation, and food security concerns.
Logistical costs have surged dramatically, with traders reporting that transport costs have jumped by US$15–US$20, nearly doubling compared to earlier in the season.