MONROVIA, Liberia — A coalition of Liberian businesswomen is preparing to petition the Legislature on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, seeking urgent intervention into five major challenges they say are threatening the survival of locally owned businesses and undermining the country’s commercial sector.
The group, operating under the banner China Business Women United with One Voice/Consortium of Liberia Importers, is calling for legislative action on prolonged import delays, high banking charges, excessive taxation, weak enforcement of the Liberianization Policy, and what it describes as unfair competition from foreign traders.
The planned petition comes as concerns over Liberia’s import and port operations continue to mount, with businesses reporting difficulties in receiving merchandise, clearing containers, and managing the rising costs associated with international trade.
According to the businesswomen, shipments from China, their primary source of merchandise, now take between three and six months or longer to arrive in Liberia. They argue that the extended delays tie up substantial amounts of investment capital, disrupt the availability of goods, and make it increasingly difficult for local traders to maintain regular business operations.
The group says the situation has placed additional pressure on business owners who must continue paying rent, servicing loans, and meeting other operational expenses while waiting for imported merchandise to arrive.
Beyond shipping delays, the businesswomen are seeking reforms in the banking sector, citing high interest rates, excessive transaction charges, and loan repayment arrangements they consider unfavorable to small and medium-sized enterprises.
They are appealing to the Senate to engage the Central Bank of Liberia and commercial banks on the possibility of introducing a minimum 90-day grace period before borrowers are required to begin loan repayments.
On taxation, the coalition wants a review of the current tax regime, arguing that the combined burden of import-related charges, shipping expenses, rental costs, loan obligations, and other operating expenses is placing locally owned businesses under increasing financial strain.
The businesswomen are also asking lawmakers to strengthen enforcement of the Liberianization Policy, which reserves certain commercial activities and business opportunities for Liberian citizens.
They contend that inadequate enforcement has weakened the protection intended for Liberian entrepreneurs, allowing foreign operators to compete in areas where local participation is legally protected.
Another major concern involves competition from foreign traders, particularly some Chinese business operators whom the group accuses of importing and selling similar merchandise at significantly lower prices.
According to the businesswomen, the pricing disparity makes it difficult for Liberian-owned enterprises to retain customers, recover investment costs, and remain competitive in the domestic market.
”We respectfully urge the Liberian Legislature and relevant authorities to address these concerns with urgency,” the group stated.
The coalition maintains that addressing the five concerns is essential to protecting Liberian investment, preserving jobs, encouraging entrepreneurship, and ensuring that local businesses have a fair opportunity to participate in the national economy.
Senate Summons Port Stakeholders Over Importers’ Complaints
The planned petition coincides with a separate legislative intervention by the Liberian Senate into mounting complaints surrounding port operations, container movement, customs clearance, and the cost of importing goods.
On October 27, 2026, the Senate Plenary voted to summon major port stakeholders to appear before the Committee of the Whole on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at the Senate Chambers.
The decision followed a formal communication from Gbarpolu County Senator Amara M. Konneh, who called for urgent legislative intervention into what he described as a growing crisis in the country’s port sector.
Senator Konneh informed his colleagues that importers have repeatedly complained over the past several months about prolonged delays in the movement and clearance of containers, both at sea and within port facilities. He also raised concerns about the high transaction costs associated with importing goods into Liberia.
Those summoned include the National Port Authority (NPA), APM Terminals Liberia, MEDTECH Scientific Limited, Global Tracking and Maritime Solution (GTMS), the Customs Department of the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and the Brokers Union/Customs Brokers Association of Liberia.
The institutions and private-sector operators are expected to respond to concerns involving port administration.
Liberian Businesswomen to Petition Legislature Over Import Delays, High Taxes as Senate Summons Port Stakeholders
