/ 15 April 1999

SA IMPOSES WHEAT LEVY

SOUTH Africa has imposed a R181 a ton import levy on wheat and a R272 a ton duty on imported flour, the National Chamber of Milling said on Wednesday. The milling industry representative body welcomed the introduction of tariff protection for SA’s wheat farmers in the face of continuing state support for producers in leading wheat-growing countries. Eexecutive director Jannie de Villiers said that the wheat duty is higher than expected and will raise local flour and bread prices. On top of the R272, the flour levy has an additional 40% ad valorem duty attached to it, which will be phased out over five years.