The national Minister for Trade and Industry, Atong Kuol Manyang Juuk on Monday said her office has received reports that businesses are closing as a result of multiple taxation, non-tariff barriers, roadblocks, harassments and unauthorized levies.

National Chamber of Commerce has equally cautioned of the flawed and burdensome taxation system, warning that it could lead to a shutdown of business.

Key Business Threats

The minister mentioned that the key business threats, which include multiple taxation, non-tariff barriers, roadblocks, harassment, unauthorized levies, and unregulated trade practices, if left unchecked, could jeopardize the businesses and ultimately barter the economy.

Efforts to Improve Business Environment

“For the Ministry of Trade and Industry, our main focus, we want to improve the business environment so that the traders can easily do their businesses. Focusing on empowering the small, medium enterprises, as well as youth and women in particular,” Atong further stated.

Concern Over Taxation System

Last Thursday, the national Chamber of Commerce expressed concern over ‘flawed and burdensome taxation system, and warned that it was the reason many businesses are winding up operations in the country.

Chamber’s Deputy Chairperson, John Lual, criticized the multiple and uncoordinated taxes imposed by various government institutions, blaming them for the challenges faced by national and foreign traders in the country.

Trade War in South Sudan

“We are unknowingly engaged in a trade war in South Sudan. Institutional inefficiency is crippling the business environment. We are not doing what we are supposed to do,” Lual said during the opening session of the First National Trade Forum 2025 in Juba.

Impact on Businesses

“This disorganized taxation has directly led to increased prices in the market. Everyone, government officials and even ordinary citizens, are trying to collect revenue. The high level of taxation is killing businesses and scaring off investors,” he added.

In conclusion, the concerns raised by the Chamber of Commerce and the Ministry of Trade and Industry highlight the urgent need for reforms in the taxation system to ensure a conducive environment for businesses to thrive in South Sudan. Failure to address these issues could lead to further closures of businesses and deter potential investors from entering the market.

Importers Urged to Properly Calculate Expenses to Avoid Unnecessary Losses

The Deputy Commissioner General of South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA) is urging importers to properly calculate all expenses, including the cost of transporting goods from Kenya to South Sudan to avoid unnecessary financial losses.

Goods Worth Millions at Risk of Auction

Media reports have stated that goods destined for South Sudan worth millions of Kenya shillings would be auctioned, including United Nations’ shipments. According to the Kenyan media, critical construction materials, electrical components, food items, and other consumer goods essential for businesses in South Sudan are among the goods at risk.

Auctioning Exercise Targeting Importers

The notice issued on March 17 under Section 42 of the East African Community Customs Management Act 2004, states that the goods would be deemed abandoned and sold through a public auction set for May 5–9, 2025. Deputy Commissioner of South Sudan Revenue Authority, Mr. Taban clarified that the goods belong to business entities, not the government.

Reasons for Auctioning

The scheduled auctioning exercise is targeting importers who were unable to clear their goods within the individually owned land. Mr. Taban explained that excessive storage fees at the Inland Container Depot in Nairobi can quickly surpass the value of the goods being held.

Proper Budgeting Essential

The SSRA Deputy Commissioner is urging importers to appropriately budget for their goods and services destined to South Sudan to prevent losses at the port. It is crucial to calculate all costs, including transportation to the final destination, to avoid incurring excessive fees.

Impact of E-taxation

With the introduction of E-taxation, it has become increasingly difficult for some importers to smuggle goods into South Sudan, as they now risk having their goods auctioned in Kenya. This highlights the importance of proper planning and budgeting for importers to avoid financial setbacks.

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