Liberia Bans Exports of Unprocessed Natural Rubber

The Liberian government has issued an executive order imposing an indefinite ban on exports of unprocessed natural rubber, effective 1 July. The order, signed by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai on 26 June, aims to boost local processing and manufacturing. It prohibits the export of unprocessed natural rubber, including natural latex, coagulum, cup lump, tree lace, bark scrap, and ground scrap. The government hopes to stimulate industrialisation, create jobs, increase revenue, and strengthen the manufacturing sector through this measure. Exports of processed products, such as latex concentrate, technically specified rubber, and ribbed smoked sheets, will still be permitted. The order introduces strict penalties for violations, including fines of up to $100,000 for corporations and $50,000 for smallholder farmers. The government will also provide support for domestic rubber processing through tax incentives and concessional financing. The ban will be reviewed annually to assess its impact on the country’s industrial development and rubber sector.