The Ministry of Trade, Funding, and Commerce has confirmed the importation of ice into the native market, addressing considerations raised in a circulating social media video.
Following a hearth in November that caused extensive property damage at Pure National Limited, the island’s major producer of ice, imported ice is being introduced into the market to take care of provide over the following six months.
Pure Nationwide, which sustained vital losses to its infrastructure, 90 per cent, is actively working to revive operations and anticipates a full return to manufacturing by mid-2025, the ministry stated in an announcement.
This measure is important to make sure an satisfactory provide of ice for the festive season, whereas additionally supporting key sectors corresponding to meals and beverage and tourism.
Concurrently, the commerce ministry has sought a Widespread Exterior Tariff (CET) Suspension on ice, in a bid to scale back importation prices and facilitate extra aggressive pricing for customers.
“This utility is at present with the CARICOM Secretariat and a response is anticipated throughout January 2025. The ministry urges all retailers of ice to uphold honest pricing for customers throughout this era,” the ministry stated.
What’s extra, the ministry has additionally famous considerations concerning pricing and has directed the Client Affairs Fee (CAC), a portfolio company, to intently monitor the market and be certain that customers obtain honest costs for ice throughout this era and past.
“As Jamaica’s enterprise ministry, we’re dedicated to monitoring and addressing pricing considerations whereas making certain the regular availability of high quality items and companies to assist a productive and environment friendly economic system,” is claimed.
Within the meantime, customers are inspired to stay vigilant about product costs, notably throughout this season, and to right away report back to the CAC any cases of extreme pricing together with the mandatory supporting documentation.
