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SA versus Tanzania… over bananas?! [video]
Watch the full version of the ' Trade war erupts between SA and Tanzania over… bananas' article – in a minute.
From midnight on Wednesday, Tanzania authorities imposed an immediate ban on South African apples and other agricultural imports.
The move comes after years of frustration over South Africa's alleged refusal to allow Tanzanian bananas into its market.
Malawian imports have also been blocked by Tanzania, after it was reported that Malawi blocked Tanzanian flour, rice, ginger, bananas and maize in March.
For the latest political news, bookmark The South African website's dedicated section for free-to-read content
Tanzanian Agriculture Minister Hussein Bashe made the announcement in a televised speech, saying South Africa and Malawi had failed to lift what he called 'unfair trade restrictions' on Tanzanian produce.
He claimed diplomatic talks had dragged on for five years without results and likened the situation to a similar struggle to gain access for Tanzanian avocados.
He claimed the avocado dispute was finally resolved only when Tanzania began to impose reciprocal restrictions.
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