Yemen: The Customs Authority controlled by the Houthi movement in Sana’a has announced a 50% increase in tariffs on locally produced cement, citing support for the Yemeni Cement Corporation as justification, according to local press. The decision was reportedly issued without prior consultation with cement producers, distributors or other stakeholders, and without a clear legal or economic basis, and has ‘disrupted’ the construction sector.
In a formal memorandum, cement producers and distributors rejected the tariff increase, warning of ‘serious repercussions’ for building material prices. The statement argued that supporting national institutions ‘should not come at the expense of citizens or a vital sector that directly affects people’s lives.' It added that fiscal and customs decisions should be grounded in transparent legal frameworks, serve the public interest and be introduced responsibly rather than imposed abruptly in ways that harm the economy.
The situation has been compounded by the continued detention of cement trucks at a newly established customs checkpoint in Dhamar for more than a week [as of 25 January 2026]. Since 15 January 2026, concrete companies have shut down and construction work has halted across most projects due to cement shortages.