Rubber Broker Wants Executive Order 166 Revisited

A Liberian rubber broker has called on President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. to review the recently issued Executive Order (EO)166 that places ban on export of unprocessed natural rubber.  

Speaking on behalf of local rubber brokers and smallholder farmers at a news conference over the weekend, Charles Bamakpeh contended that the ban on the export of unprocessed natural rubber is negatively affecting thousands of smallholder farmers and local brokers across the country.

According to him, the Executive Order has reduced competition in the rubber market and forced farmers to sell their produce at significantly lower prices.

Bamakpeh claimed that the Rubber Planters Association of Liberia (RPAL), which has publicly supported the government’s decision, does not represent the interests of most smallholder rubber farmers, but rather the upper class in the sector.

He indicated that the Association’s membership is largely composed of large commercial plantations, whose dominance in the market has increased following the implementation of the export ban.

“We note that the Rubber Planters Association of Liberia has expressed support for this ban. But RPAL’s support is creating unfair pricing for local rubber farmers. It is important to know that RPAL does not represent us way down there at the local level. RPAL regular rubber farms from 100 acres upwards and our activities fall below that belt,” he explained.

He alleged that the policy has created an uneven playing field by limiting buyers in the market and giving a few large companies greater influence over rubber prices.

Bamakpeh further stated that since Executive Order 166 took effect, several international and Liberian exporters that previously purchased rubber from local brokers have suspended operations, leaving farmers with fewer options for selling their products.

He said farmers in Saclepea, Tappita, Ganta, Bong County, Grand Bassa County, and Margibi County are now compelled to sell cup lump rubber at lower prices to the remaining large concessions operating in the market.

“The ban on the export of unprocessed natural rubber, including cup lump, is hurting the people it was intended to protect. It’s too bad for us,” Bamakpeh asserted.

He urged the Liberian leader to review the Executive Order, restore competition in the rubber market, and ensure greater Liberian participation in the country’s rubber value chain.

Specifically, Bamakpeh called on the government to review the ban on unprocessed rubber exports under Executive Order 166, allow farmers to sell their products to the highest bidder, and adopt policies that protect the interests of Liberian farmers and traders.

“We are not asking for handouts. We are asking for fairness. Rubber is our green gold. Let the Liberians who grow it and trade it benefit from it,” he noted.

However, the Government of Liberia and the Rubber Planters Association of Liberia have maintained that Executive Order 166 is intended to promote domestic value addition and strengthen Liberia’s rubber processing industry.

But, Bamakpeh argued that the policy should be reassessed to address its impact on smallholder farmers and local brokers.

“We are not asking for handouts. We are asking for fairness. We call on His Excellency the President to review the ban on unprocessed rubber exports under Executive Order 166, restore competition so farmers can sell cup lump to the highest bidder and protect Liberian participation in the rubber value chain. Rubber is our green gold. Let the Liberians who grow it and trade it benefit from it,” he stressed.