Monrovia, Liberia – In a bold move to revitalize the ailing rubber industry, Liberian President George Weah has imposed a moratorium on the export of unprocessed natural rubber. Executive Order #124, issued on December 12th, 2023, marks a significant step towards tackling the industry’s decline, which the President deems a critical national concern.
“The Liberian rubber industry has been the bedrock of our economy for over 95 years,” declared President Weah. “It has provided jobs for countless Liberians and generated crucial revenue for the government. However, it has been plagued by abuse, misuse, and theft, leading to a worrying decline.”
The Executive Order cites several factors contributing to the industry’s woes. Illicit tapping, observed to be on the rise, has severely impacted production and government revenue. Additionally, widespread theft has fueled security concerns throughout the country.
President Weah emphasizes the urgency of addressing these issues. “The situation demands immediate action,” he stated. “Executive Order #124 is a necessary pause that will allow us to formulate policies and establish a robust institutional and regulatory framework to curb the industry’s decline and stimulate growth.”
This is not the first attempt to address the issue. Executive Order #16, issued in 2008, aimed to remedy similar problems. However, the government believes a more stringent approach is needed now. The complete halt on unprocessed rubber exports signifies the seriousness of the situation.
The Executive Order outlines several key measures:
A complete ban on the export of unprocessed natural rubber until further notice.
A focus on promoting domestic processing of rubber to add value and create jobs.
Establishment of a task force to investigate and address the issues of illicit tapping and theft.
Development of a comprehensive plan for the long-term revitalization of the rubber industry.
President Weah’s decision has met with mixed reactions. While some industry players are concerned about the immediate impact of the export ban, many commend the President’s commitment to long-term reform.
The success of Executive Order #124 will hinge on its effective implementation and the government’s ability to follow through on its promises of reform. Regardless, the move marks a turning point for the Liberian rubber industry, signaling a determined effort to secure its future and ensure its continued contribution to the nation’s economic well-being.