The Minister of Agriculture has commended the Government of Liberia, through President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, for the Executive Order imposing a ban on the export of unprocessed rubber. Speaking Thursday, July 2, 2026 at the Ministry of Information regular press briefing, Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah described the measure as a necessary step to protect Liberia’s economy, strengthen local value addition, and ensure fair prices for rubber farmers.
He dismissed claims that the Executive Order is unconstitutional. According to him, the Executive Order is built on reforms initiated by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai in August 2024, when a multi-sectoral committee was established to oversee rubber pricing.
Dr. Nuetah added that the committee, which comprises representatives from the Ministries of Agriculture, Finance, Commerce and Industry, the National Investment Commission, the Rubber Development Fund, and other stakeholders, was mandated to determine fair monthly prices for rubber based on international market conditions.
He furthered that since the committee began setting prices in June 2025, the amount paid to farmers has increased significantly. He said farmers were receiving about US$545 per metric ton a year ago, but the latest approved price announced for July 2025 stands at US$814 per metric ton.
He explained that the government observed unfair competition in the sector, with some exporters bypassing local processing factories and avoiding taxes and other statutory fees. “This created an uneven playing field and threatened the operations of domestic rubber processing companies”, he added.
Dr. Nuetah disclosed that several processing companies complained that they were operating below capacity because raw materials were being exported instead of being supplied to local factories. He disclosed that continued shortages could force factories to shut down, resulting in job losses for hundreds of Liberians.
“The Executive Order followed recommendations from a committee that included government institutions, concessionaires, and industry stakeholders”, he said. The committee, according to him, advised the President to temporarily prohibit the export of unprocessed rubber to ensure that local processors have access to sufficient raw materials.
Dr. Nuetah emphasized that the measure is intended to promote industrial growth, preserve employment, and encourage value addition while maintaining fair prices for farmers. He assured rubber producers across Liberia that the government’s pricing committee remains in place and that buyers are obligated to purchase rubber at the approved prices.
