…Strengthening Food Security and Economic StabilityBy Amos HarrisLiberia is poised to experience a significant reduction in rice prices following a landmark decision by APM Terminals to slash rice handling charges at the Freeport of Monrovia by 33 percent. As a transformative step toward price stability, this reform acknowledges that rice remains the backbone of Liberia’s food consumption. Industry estimates suggest that for a single vessel transporting approximately 50,000 metric tons of rice, importers could now save as much as US$250,000 in handling costs alone. Stakeholders in the rice trade have welcomed these developments as both timely and strategic. Importers note that port handling charges and demurrage fees have historically been among the most significant overhead costs associated with their trade.
