The Ghana International Trade Commission (GITC) recently proposed a measure to limit the import of machetes into Ghana starting March 2024. This decision stems from a petition filed by Crocodile Machetes Company, a domestic manufacturer, alleging unfair trade practices by certain machete importers.
After conducting a thorough investigation and hearing, the Commission concluded that the petitioner, Crocodile Machetes Ghana Limited, had indeed been subjected to unfair treatment. As a result, the Commission proposed corrective measures to address the existing market disparities.
Crocodile Machetes Ghana Limited lodged their complaint in 2021 after detecting a surge in counterfeit machete products flooding the Ghanaian market, undercutting their prices.
The Ghana International Trade Commission substantiated these claims, citing a significant rise in machete imports that were detrimentally impacting the domestic industry.
Nana Adu Gyamfi, Chairman of the Commission, announced that the Commission has proposed imposing a 65% quota on all machete imports for the next two years.
“The 65% quota translates into a total of 1534.4 metric tonnes as against the current 2,365.85 metric tonnes of machetes imported annually. The remaining shortfall of 831.45 metric tonnes is expected to be compensated by Crocodile Machetes to enable it to be competitive and restore its market share,” he stated.
Sjoerd Grueter, Managing Director of Crocodile Machetes Company Limited, welcomed the decision and expressed optimism about the company’s revival as a result of this action.
Concerns regarding counterfeiting and adherence to standards, as outlined in the petition, have been forwarded to the relevant national regulatory authorities for further action.
