Cabinet Approves Axle Tax for Foreign Trucks, Local Operators Exempt

Cabinet met on Monday and approved an amendment to Statutory Instrument No. 19 of 2025 which would see a differentiated axle tax of $30 per axle for foreign cargo trucks and trailers, while local, domestic trucks will now be exempt from this fee. Additionally, Cabinet has instructed the Ministry of Transportation to establish a national registry that would identify the origin of all cargo trucks traversing Belize’s border points.  This decision comes amidst a backdrop of ongoing controversies surrounding foreign commercial vehicles and their impact on the local trucking industry and national infrastructure. For years, Belize has grappled with the challenges posed by foreign trucks, including concerns over road damage, equitable competition, and effective revenue collection.  Earlier this year, a directive from the Office of the Prime Minister temporarily halted new border transport fees, specifically a reduction from $100 to $30 per vehicle axle for both foreign and Belizean registered vehicles, following concerns raised by some local operators. This indicated the sensitivity of the issue and the need for a more comprehensive and balanced approach. Historical records also show long-standing discussions and consultations with municipal authorities and local commercial truck operators, who have consistently advocated for changes to address the negative impact of what they perceived as inadequate border transport regulations.  According to the government, this tax, coupled with the establishment of a national registry, the Ministry of Transportation would gain greater oversight and control over cross-border cargo movements, ensuring compliance and potentially better allocation of resources for road maintenance.