By Faisal Abu Bakr | 2025-07-07

ADEN -- Garlic farmers across Yemen's Dhamar province have erupted in protest against a 7% tax imposed by the Houthis, with tribal leaders and merchants opposing the "illegal levy" designed to fund the group's war effort.

Residents of Mayfaat Ans district gathered in late June with Sheikh Mohammed Hussein al-Maqdashi to denounce the tax, which was imposed by the Houthi-appointed provincial security director, local media reported June 25.

Attendees demanded an end to what they termed arbitrary actions, and declared their absolute rejection of any unofficial taxes that do not represent the state.

The tax is collected by armed guards at checkpoints throughout the province.

In addition to the tax, the Houthi authorities have restricted garlic sales exclusively to their Agricultural Services Corporation (ASC), which monopolizes agricultural products and prevents direct sales to merchants.

"Some farmers have refused to sell their garlic products, which are at risk of spoilage because of stockpiling," an Ans district resident told Al-Fassel, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The crisis escalated March 10 when the Houthis raided garlic wholesalers and markets in Sanaa, shutting down several and sealing doors with red wax.

The crackdown caused garlic prices to surge from 700 to 1,300 YRE/kg.

Burden on farmers, consumers

"The fees and levies are not just 7%, as the farmer must pay 7% to the ASC, in addition to paying other royalties, zakat and front-line support, totaling 25%," a garlic merchant told Al-Fassel.

Military checkpoints enforce the monopoly by refusing passage to farmers' shipments except those destined for the ASC, creating what the merchant described as complete market control.

The unrecognized Houthi authorities banned raisin and garlic imports in 2023, ostensibly to protect local production from unfair competition.

"There are no taxes on agricultural and livestock production in Yemen, which is supposed to encourage and support agricultural production," Studies and Economic Media Center head Mustafa Nasr told Al-Fassel.

The Houthi-imposed fees are illegal, he said, and place a burden on farmers as well as increasing prices for consumers at a challenging time.

"The militias' economy relies on coercive financing, which is one of their sources of funding, especially now with the decline in Iranian support and the weakening of the port of al-Hodeidah's capabilities," said economist Fares al-Najjar.

The levies will significantly impact farmers and consumers, he told Al-Fassel.

They will lead to higher prices for garlic and other agricultural products while burdening a population already suffering from famine conditions with emerging hunger "hotspots," al-Najjar said.

But those who protest the Houthis' taxes or oppose the group's decisions face considerable risks, including threats and detention, he said.