Rumor: animal feed that is imported will have to pay an increase of a 100% customs duty, Jan. 1st. My understanding was there will be a duty of 100% cost of the feed. At the present feed is duty free.

from a producer friend

The net effect of this change in the duty on the inputs for animal feed, will
be at least a 33% increase in the price of chicken, cheese, milk. Pork and
beef will also increase.


This is apparently some agreement which Belize agreed to last year, with implementation due 1 Jan 08.

The producers first learnt about it last week.

Naturally we are doing what we can, as it makes no sense to tax the inputs, which we do not and cannot produce in Belize, for local industries. We will be forced to increase prices.

Producers groups are meeting with GOB reps, and if necessary we will go to CARICOM.