Sana'a -- Hundreds of merchants in Yemen’s capital, Sana’a, launched a sweeping strike this week in protest against new financial and customs regulations imposed by the Houthi authorities, marking one of the largest acts of economic defiance in Houthi-controlled territory since the start of the war.

Shops, markets, and commercial centers across Sana’a shut their doors as traders denounced what they described as “arbitrary levies, double taxation, and extortionate customs fees” that have crippled business operations and driven up consumer prices. The strike, which began on Monday, November 17, 2025, quickly gained momentum, with traders from key districts such as Al-Tahrir, Al-Hasaba, and Shumaila joining the protest.

According to local business associations, the Houthi-run Ministry of Finance and Customs Authority recently introduced new tariffs and financial procedures that require merchants to pay additional duties on goods already taxed at entry points in Aden and other government-controlled ports. Traders say these measures amount to “double taxation” and violate previous agreements aimed at easing internal trade.

The Chamber of Commerce in Sana’a, which has long operated under Houthi oversight, has remained silent, prompting accusations of complicity and deepening mistrust between the business community and de facto authorities. Some merchants reported threats and forced closures by Houthi security forces, while others said they were pressured to resume operations under threat of fines and confiscation.

“This is not just a strike—it’s a cry for survival,” said one textile trader in Al-Tahrir district. “We are being suffocated by fees, inspections, and arbitrary rules that change every week.”

The strike has disrupted supply chains and daily commerce in a city already grappling with inflation, fuel shortages, and deteriorating infrastructure. Civil society groups have expressed concern that the crackdown on merchants could further destabilize the local economy and deepen humanitarian suffering.

International observers say the protest reflects growing frustration with Houthi economic governance, which has relied heavily on levies, monopolies, and informal taxation to fund its war effort. The UN Panel of Experts has previously documented Houthi control over key revenue streams, including customs, telecommunications, and fuel imports.

As of Tuesday evening, the strike remained largely intact, with merchants demanding the reversal of the new financial measures and guarantees against future arbitrary enforcement. No official response has been issued by Houthi authorities.