A container truck leaves the port of Mahajanga. An exceptional reduction in port handling tariffs has just been granted at three secondary ports: Mahajanga, Toliara and Antsiranana. The measure is announced in communiqué no. 002 APMF/DG/DAGC/SCI.26 of July 17, 2026. It follows consultations initiated by the General Directorate of the Port, Maritime and River Agency (APMF) with the Professional Association of Port Handlers (GPMP), as well as meetings of the Consultative Committees of Port Users and Operators (CCUOP). The GPMP has decided to grant, on an exceptional basis, a reduction of up to 20% on handling tariffs applied to the unloading of essential goods imported to Madagascar. Effective July 1, this measure aims to improve supply to remote regions. It applies in the ports of Mahajanga, Toliara and Antsiranana. The products concerned are essential goods such as rice, salt, sugar, flour, milk and cooking oil. This unprecedented measure applies specifically to these three secondary ports for a period of two years. Support At the end of this period, the handling tariffs in force before its application will be restored. It aims to support household purchasing power in the face of rising costs, reduce logistics costs related to the maritime distribution chain and improve accessibility of essential products in remote regions. "Through this initiative, the APMF and GPMP reaffirm their commitment to support the State's efforts to sustain household purchasing power. By reducing port handling costs for essential food products, this measure helps reduce logistics costs and improve accessibility of essential products in secondary ports," states the communiqué signed by Farantonana Rasolofonirina, head of the APMF's communication and information service. Vero Andrianarisoa