MINISTRY OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

4th April, 2024
Lilongwe

EXPORT RESTRICTION ON RAW SOYA BEANS UNDER THE

CONTROL OF GOODS (IMPORT AND EXPORT LICENCE)
REGULATIONS, 2020

The Ministry of Trade and Industry, in collaboration with the

Ministry of Agriculture, wishes to inform the business community
and the general public that Government has decided to suspend
exportation of Raw Soya Beans with effect from 8th April, 2024.

The decision to restrict exports of raw soya beans has been

necessitated following an assessment of Soya Bean production for
the current agricultural production season. In particular, the
national crop estimates exercise carried out by the Ministry of
Agriculture has shown that there is a 20% decline in production of
Soya Beans attributed by the adverse weather conditions
experienced in the current farming season in Malawi.
The restriction therefore, aims to support local industries and
investors in the soya value chain to access the soya beans as it is
the main raw material in the production processes of by-products
which include cooking oil, soya cake amongst others. The directive
is also in line with our National Development Plan, the Malawi 2063
Agenda of promoting value addition and industrialisation as one of
the key pillars of the economy.

The Ministry of Trade and Industry furthermore, advises the

business community and the general public that, all previous
licences on exportation of Raw Soya Beans that were issued
by the Ministry under the Control of Goods Act are hereby
revoked and will not be valid from 8th April, 2024.

Any trader who will be found exporting Raw Soya Beans during the
suspension period commits an offence under the law.

For more information and all related queries please contact the
following:

The Secretary for Trade and Industry

P.O. Box 30366
Lilongwe 3
Email: trademin@trade.gov.mw
Inquiries may also be directed through the Ministry’s Public
Relations Officer, Mr. Patrick Botha, on +265 999 190 147.

Christina Zakeyo
SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY