The provincial government of Central Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, has lowered import taxes for grey cement by 50 per cent from CDF3000 (US$3.15) to CDF1500 per 50kg bag.

The step has been welcomed by importers who bring in Angolan product via the border post of Lufu.

However, cement users have complained that the cut is not filtering through to end-users as they still pay CDF12,500 for a bag of cement. They have called for the government to revise the cement price, and are supported by construction companies in the key port of Matadi, where cement prices are at a similar high. Imported cement currently sells at a price between CDF5000-6000 in Matadi.