MOA Clarifies Issue on Ban of Unprocessed Rubber Export
The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) says it has no authority on lift the moratorium on the exportation of unprocessed natural rubber, as is being speculated.
In a release, the Ministry said that while it has the mandate to support the rubber sector, it is the sole responsibility of the presidency to take a decision on the matter.
“The Ministry of Agriculture supports Liberian small and medium farmers and large concessions operating in the rubber sector. While the Ministry supports the value addition of the country’s natural resources, it also wants to categorically clarify that it has no authority to lift the moratorium imposed on the exportation of unprocessed rubber products from the Republic of Liberia,” the release said.
The release added, “the Moratorium is an Executive Order imposed by the Presidency during the administrations of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and President George Manneh Weah. Therefore, the Ministry of Agriculture has no power and authority to lift a presidential moratorium, as is wrongly speculated,” the release further stated.
Since Executive Order 124 was issued banning the exportation of unprocessed natural rubber in Liberia by the government, stakeholders of the nation’s rubber industry have had very much divided views over the policy.
Former President George M. Weah issued the moratorium in 2023 to eliminate abuse and theft within the rubber industry.
But, some stakeholders regard the policy as counterproductive, stating that it seriously has a negative economic impact on the lives of smallholder rubber farmers and brokers who depend solely on trading the product.
Meanwhile, others think that the policy is necessary and should remain in place because it has the propensity to boost value addition to create more jobs in the rubber sector.
The moratorium is a renewal or enforcement of previous Executive Orders Numbers 16, 50, and 60 implemented during the administration of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for the same reason.
Speaking on Spoon Talk recently, the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah openly said the ministry prefers having the ban on the exportation of unprocessed rubber to still remain in place.
The minister said the policy supports value addition and it is important for the development of the economy.
“We cannot cancel the decision of the Executive. But we support that the policy remains in place,” he said.
However, the minister disclosed that his ministry is working with those actors in the sector who are affected by the policy.
There has been a reported market challenge faced by smallholder rubber producers since the policy was introduced.
Middlemen or brokers also are said to be out of business as a result of the moratorium on the export of unprocessed rubber.
At the same time, recently, members of the House of Representatives voted requesting the Executive Branch of government to lift the moratorium on the exportation of natural unprocessed rubber.
The MOA press release further went on to mention that the Executive Order maintained that the rubber industry is part of the nation’s economy and offers the maximum source of annual revenue for the government while also providing abundant job opportunities for Liberians in the country.
According to the release Section 1 of the Order maintained, “From the date of this Order, there shall be no exportation of unprocessed natural rubber from Liberia until otherwise advised. Unprocessed natural rubber shall be defined as the raw material tapped from rubber trees, not having gone through any processing to change its physical or chemical composition; or natural latex, coagulum, cup lump, tree lace, bark scrap, ground scrap, and any other form of unprocessed or processed natural rubber (including concentrated latex and dry rubber produced or derived from the latex produced by rubber trees.”
It added, for purposes of this Executive Order, “processed rubber” shall mean latex concentrate, technically specified rubber (“TSR”), and other dry rubber or grades of rubber that are considered to be processed rubber by the natural rubber industry worldwide.
The ministry said in its press release that given the history and facts, about the rubber sector, particularly the moratorium, the Ministry dispel all rumors, misinformation, and falsehoods surrounding the moratorium.
“The leadership of Minister J. Alexander Nuetah therefore calls on all stakeholders in the rubber sector to seek and pursue dialogue in finding lasting solutions. The Minister supports all and every effort aimed at amicably and peacefully addressing the issue once it benefits Liberia and Liberian smallholder farmers and concessions in the rubber sector,” the release concluded.
