President Boakai Issues Executive Order #151 to Ban Export of Unprocessed Rubber

By Amos Harris

Monrovia, Liberia — In a landmark move to overhaul the nation’s economy, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has signed Executive Order No. 151, imposing an immediate nationwide ban on the export of unprocessed rubber. The directive, which took effect over the weekend, is a cornerstone of the Boakai administration’s strategy to pivot the economy from its reliance on raw material exports toward domestic manufacturing and sustainable job creation.

“This Executive Order marks a turning point in Liberia’s economic history,” President Boakai stated. “For too long, we have exported our rubber in raw form, forfeiting opportunities for domestic manufacturing, employment, and increased national revenue. With Executive Order No. 151, we are laying a strong foundation for industrialization and long-term prosperity.”

Executive Order No. 151 introduces a comprehensive framework to regulate Liberia’s rubber export trade, with a core focus on adding value to the country’s natural resources within its borders.

Key elements of the order include:

• Export Restrictions: The export of unprocessed rubber—including natural latex, cup lump, bark scrap, and other raw variants—is now strictly prohibited. Only processed rubber, specifically Technically Specified Rubber (TSR) that meets international standards, is exempt from this ban.
• Revised Fiscal Measures: Exporters must now comply with new fiscal requirements, including a 4% presumptive tax on all rubber exports, contributions to the Rubber Development Fund Incorporated (RDFI), and a new surcharge of USD $150 per metric ton of exported rubber. These measures are designed to boost national revenue and support agricultural and industrial infrastructure.
• Stricter Permitting Protocol: Exporters must adhere to a stringent protocol, which includes presenting official receipts for taxes and fees, obtaining a valid tax clearance certificate, securing approval from the Ministry of Agriculture, and receiving an Export Permit Declaration (EPD) from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• Advance Income Tax: Companies exporting processed rubber will be required to remit an Advance Income Tax of 4% (for small taxpayers) or 2% (for medium and large taxpayers).
• Penalties: Entities that falsify documents or violate the order face hefty fines of USD $50,000 for a first offense, with repeat violators risking the revocation of their export licenses.

The new policy will be spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), and the RDFI. These agencies will work together to create administrative guidelines to ensure transparent enforcement.

The Executive Order has been widely welcomed by Liberians, who view it as a bold and necessary step toward economic empowerment. Patrick Kollie, a resident of Monrovia, praised the initiative as a “brilliant decision” that will create jobs for thousands of young people. Mary Tamba, a small business owner, expressed optimism that the policy would create new opportunities for entrepreneurs.

While enthusiasm is high, stakeholders have also highlighted the need for robust infrastructure and technical capacity. Emmanuel Wesseh, an economist at the University of Liberia, stressed that the policy’s success depends on the government’s ability to “quickly work on providing incentives for the establishment of processing facilities,” including affordable electricity, reliable transport, and vocational training.

Liberia’s decision aligns with policies adopted by countries like Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, which successfully transitioned from raw material exporters to leading manufacturers of rubber products. By following this model, Liberia aims to become a competitive player in the West African manufacturing ecosystem.

President Boakai’s administration has pledged to engage with all key players, including plantation owners, cooperatives, and exporters, to ensure a smooth transition.

Executive Order No. 151 represents one of the most significant economic policy shifts in Liberia’s recent history. By mandating domestic value addition, the government is signaling a new era of economic nationalism aimed at ensuring Liberians directly benefit from their country’s abundant natural resources. Its long-term success will hinge on effective enforcement, infrastructure readiness, and sustained political will to see Liberia transition from a raw-material economy to an industrialized nation.