The Liberian Senate has voted to maintain Executive Order No. 124, which bans the export of unprocessed natural rubber from the country. The move follows the Senate’s plan to establish a National Rubber Council, which will oversee fair monthly pricing and regulate the domestic rubber market.
Establishment of the National Rubber Council
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The decision to uphold the export ban came after an extensive investigation by the Senate Committee on Agriculture, which recommended creating a regulatory council to supervise pricing, trade, and overall market operations within Liberia’s rubber industry.
The proposal was adopted during a joint session on Agriculture and Justice held on May 23, 2024, following prolonged debate. Pending the council’s formation, the Senate agreed to extend the current ban on unprocessed rubber exports.
Once established, the National Rubber Council will be responsible for stabilizing the market through suitable regulations, ensuring transparency and fairness in trade, and preventing manipulation of rubber prices.
Background and Policy Context
Executive Order 124, originally issued by former President George Manneh Weah in 2023 near the end of his term, has remained a contentious issue. The order aims to combat theft and misuse within the rubber sector by restricting the export of unprocessed materials.
His successor, President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, reaffirmed the necessity of maintaining the ban until appropriate policies and frameworks are established to improve the long-term sustainability of the rubber industry. These measures are expected to revitalize plantations, increase production, create employment opportunities, and boost government revenue.
However, to ease the transition, President Boakai granted a two-month grace period starting May 22, 2024, allowing temporary exports of unprocessed rubber to mitigate financial losses suffered by local producers and traders. Under Executive Order No. 133, all such exports are to cease following the grace period.
Mixed Reactions from Stakeholders
The rubber export ban has sparked divided opinions among industry stakeholders.
Supporters argue that the ban is essential for value addition, encouraging domestic processing, and job creation. Others — particularly smallholder farmers and brokers — contend that it negatively impacts their livelihoods and access to markets.
Similar restrictions were also enacted under former President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, who emphasized protecting Liberia’s rubber industry and promoting local processing capacity.
Concerns from Lawmakers and Producers
Senator Wellington Geevon Smith of River Cess County reported that several plantation owners have raised concerns about the limited local capacity to process unprocessed rubber, warning that the ban could lead to layoffs.
The Senate Agriculture Committee further highlighted the issue of tax revenues from smallholder farmers not reaching government accounts, reinforcing the need for stronger institutional oversight.
As a solution, the committee recommended the creation of the National Rubber Council — a statutory body with representation from all stakeholders — to ensure fair monthly pricing, maximize factory output, and prevent market manipulation.
The committee also urged Liberia to align with regional standards by enacting formal legislation to regulate the export of unprocessed natural rubber.