Sana’a – A new international report has confirmed that Houthi militias continue to escalate economic measures against the commercial sector in areas under their control, imposing successive increases in taxes and fees. Traders have widely denounced these actions as “arbitrary,” noting that they have affected virtually all business activities without exception.

The latest findings, published by the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET), reveal that mounting financial pressures now threaten the survival of hundreds of small and medium-sized enterprises. Many businesses have already been forced to shut down in recent months due to the growing burden.

According to the report, the Houthis recently introduced additional levies on traders under the pretext of supporting local production. This move is part of a broader pattern of financial extortion that has weighed heavily on the private sector. Among the most damaging measures is a 100% customs tax imposed on imported non-food goods, which has led to the closure of numerous retail shops and small enterprises.

The report underscores that such policies are exacerbating Yemen’s already fragile economic environment, further undermining livelihoods and deepening the humanitarian crisis in one of the world’s most vulnerable countries.