What You Need to Know
The Import Advisory Commission in Mozambique is set to propose measures to the government to limit ceramic imports, which have led to the closure of a production line at Safira Mozambique Ceramic and the loss of 700 jobs. Secretary of State for Commerce, António Grispos, emphasized the need to protect local industries and prevent excessive imports of products that can be produced domestically.
Africa-Press – Mozambique. The Import Advisory Commission (CCI) will propose measures to the government to curb the “unbridled” entry of ceramic products, such as tiles, into Mozambique. This unchecked importation has already led to the closure of a production line at Safira Mozambique Ceramic and the loss of 700 jobs, António Grispos announced on Monday.
The proposal for government intervention was made by the Secretary of State for Commerce, Grispos, in statements to journalists following a meeting with Safira representatives and a visit to the factory in the Moamba district, Maputo province.
“This visit today to Safira is carried out in my capacity as president of the Import Advisory Commission,” said Grispos.
The visit aimed “to assess the impact Safira is facing due to the excessive and unbridled import of ceramic products,” he said. “It should be emphasised that they currently have a closed production line, with many millions of square metres no longer being produced,” he added
Following the closure of this production unit, 700 workers lost their jobs, and numerous indirect employees also lost their livelihoods, Grispos stressed.
“There are various factors undermining family survival. Investments have been made here, and we must address this,” emphasised António Grispos.
Regarding the type of measures to be proposed to the government to protect Mozambique’s ceramic industry, Grispos did not provide details but indicated they would align with policies restricting the import of products that can be produced locally.
“Mozambique has already adopted temporary import restrictions to protect local production. These measures are designed to boost domestic production,” said the Secretary of State for Commerce.
“Certainly, the Commission [Import Advisory Commission] is in a position to make a conscientious decision, so as not to harm the producer, but above all to strengthen national production. There is a range of measures the government could consider […] such as raising the import surtax from 7.5% to 20%,” admitted António Grispos.
Grispos emphasised that protecting the local industry also aims to prevent Mozambique from importing products that can be manufactured domestically.
He criticised the fact that Mozambicans must buy goods abroad, such as “toothpicks or water,” when these could be produced locally.
On the establishment of the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Moamba, in the area where Safira Mozambique Ceramic is located, António Grispos noted that subsequent steps for this transition depend on other state entities.
Safira Mozambique Ceramic is owned by the Chinese group Wang Kang Safira and began operations in September 2024, with an investment of US$124 million to make the enterprise operational, one of the largest in Africa in the sector.
The factory was designed with a daily production capacity of 100,000 square metres of ceramic products.
Mozambique’s ceramic industry has faced challenges due to increasing imports, which have adversely affected local production. The Import Advisory Commission’s recent actions reflect a growing concern over the sustainability of domestic manufacturing. The closure of Safira Mozambique Ceramic’s production line highlights the urgent need for government intervention to support local businesses and safeguard jobs in the sector. Historically, Mozambique has struggled with balancing import needs and fostering local industries, making this proposal a significant step towards economic self-sufficiency.
