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Madagascar's draft 2027 finance law would raise customs duties from 20% to 30% on imported finished goods that are also made locally, the finance ministry detailed on 9 November. The list includes biscuits, chocolate, beer, sugary drinks, canned fish, soap and smartphones, while industrial inputs would carry a floor duty of 5% if they are genuinely processed in the country. The bill also more than doubles the tax on diesel to bring it into line with petrol, a commitment under the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) Resilience and Sustainability Facility. The tariffs make imported consumer goods dearer to favour local factories, while the diesel tax raises transport costs and state revenue. Parliament has yet to vote on the bill.
