By E. J. Nathaniel Daygbor
Hundreds of members of the China Businesswomen Association on Tuesday staged a protest at the Capitol Building, demanding government intervention over what they described as excessive port charges, rising taxes, and prolonged shipping delays that are threatening the survival of their businesses.
The demonstration brought together market women and importers who accused key players in Liberia’s port sector, including APM Terminals and GTMS, of imposing burdensome fees and contributing to lengthy delays in the clearance and delivery of imported goods.
Carrying their grievances to the seat of government, the protesters said the current business environment has become increasingly difficult, with many traders struggling to sustain operations amid escalating costs and logistical challenges.
According to the women, imported goods often spend between six and seven months in transit before reaching Liberia, only to face additional delays at the country’s ports. They argued that the prolonged waiting periods significantly increase operating expenses and undermine their ability to remain competitive in the marketplace.
The businesswomen noted that while shipments remain delayed, many traders continue to service bank loans used to finance imports, resulting in mounting interest payments and growing financial hardship. Some claimed that the situation has already forced several businesses into decline, while others are on the verge of closure.
“Our businesses are suffering because of delays and charges that continue to increase without any clear explanation,” one of the protesters said. “Many women are now struggling to meet their financial obligations while waiting months for goods to arrive and be cleared.”
The association is calling for an immediate and independent investigation into the causes of the prolonged delays affecting imported goods. They are also demanding a comprehensive review of port-related charges, increased transparency in the shipping and clearance process, and the establishment of clear timelines for the arrival and release of cargo.
The protesters further urged the government to implement measures aimed at protecting Liberian-owned businesses, warning that continued inaction could result in widespread business failures and the loss of thousands of livelihoods dependent on small-scale trade.
In response to the concerns raised, the House of Representatives has voted to summon major stakeholders within Liberia’s port sector to appear before lawmakers for a specialized hearing scheduled for November 6, 2026.
Those invited include representatives of the Freeport of Monrovia, the National Port Authority (NPA), the Liberia Chamber of Commerce, the Liberia Business Association, and other key actors involved in port operations and trade facilitation.
Lawmakers said the hearing is intended to examine the allegations raised by the China Businesswomen Association and provide a platform for port authorities, operators, and business representatives to address the issues affecting importers.
The hearing is expected to focus on complaints surrounding shipping delays, cargo clearance procedures, and port-related fees, while exploring potential solutions to improve efficiency and ease the burden on businesses.
The protest highlights growing concern within Liberia’s business community over the cost of importing goods and the efficiency of the nation’s maritime trade system, issues that many traders say require urgent government attention to prevent further economic strain on small and medium-sized enterprises.
