Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08MONROVIA1003
2008-12-08 16:24:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Monrovia
Cable title:  

LIBERIA: GOL BANS EXPORT OF UNPROCESSED RUBBER

Tags:  EAGR EINV ETRD PGOV ECON LI 
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VZCZCXRO0987
RR RUEHMA RUEHPA
DE RUEHMV #1003 3431624
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 081624Z DEC 08
FM AMEMBASSY MONROVIA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0588
INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE
UNCLAS MONROVIA 001003 

SIPDIS

E.O. 12598: N/A
TAGS: EAGR EINV ETRD PGOV ECON LI
SUBJECT: LIBERIA: GOL BANS EXPORT OF UNPROCESSED RUBBER

UNCLAS MONROVIA 001003

SIPDIS

E.O. 12598: N/A
TAGS: EAGR EINV ETRD PGOV ECON LI
SUBJECT: LIBERIA: GOL BANS EXPORT OF UNPROCESSED RUBBER


1. The GOL has announced a ban on export of unprocessed rubber to
protect the local industry. The Ministry of Commerce says the ban,
strongly supported by the rubber sector in Liberia and in the works
for about two years, is intended to tackle the growing problem of
rubber theft. To further support Liberian rubber producers,
consignments of unprocessed rubber will be stopped at border entry
points, and processors may buy only from licensed agents.


2. The Rubber Planters Association of Liberia (RPAL),an
organization of smallholder farmers who advocate for protection of
the industry, welcomed the move. The President of RPAL believes the
moratorium is in the interest of all stakeholders, including large
plantation owners like Firestone.


3. Firestone confirms the ban will have a positive effect on any
company legitimately involved in the rubber business in Liberia. If
the GOL is able to implement the ban effectively, then the
unprocessed rubber that is now being sold across the border to Cote
d'Ivoire and other entry/exit points will cease, strengthening
Liberian exporters' ability to acquire more rubber for processing
and, hopefully, lessening some of the illicit tapping. The Ministry
of Agriculture is in discussions now with concessions, farms, UNMIL,
and others to determine the most effective way to implement the
ban.

THOMAS-GREENFIELD