President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has signed Executive Order No. 151, instituting sweeping measures to restrict the export of unprocessed rubber and promote domestic value addition.
The latest move was among other things geared towards an effort aimed at revitalizing Liberia’s rubber sector and fostering inclusive economic growth.
Speaking at the regular executive mansion press briefing, Presidential Press Secretary Kula Fofana said the Executive Order, effective immediately, seeks to transition Liberia’s rubber industry from an extractive, raw-material export economy into a value-added, job-creating sector that supports GDP growth, employment, and export earnings.
According to her, the Liberian leader emphasized that for too long Liberia has exported its rubber in raw form, forfeiting opportunities for domestic manufacturing, job creation, and increased revenue.
Described as a turning point for the sector The Executive Order, she stressed is also laying the groundwork for industrialization, value addition, and long-term economic transformation.
Madam Fofana highlighted key Provisions in the Executive Order No. 151 as the restriction of export, The export of unprocessed rubber—including natural latex, cup lump, bark scrap, ground scrap, and other forms listed under Schedule A—is now restricted.
As part of the Executive Order only processed rubber such as Technically Specified Rubber (TSR) is exempted.
Other components include Tax and Fee Requirements: Exporters must comply with new fiscal obligations, including a 4% presumptive tax, Rubber Development Fund Incorporated (RDFI) fees, and a surcharge of USD $150 per metric ton.
Speaking further she named Export Permit Protocol: Exporters must present official tax and fee receipts, a valid tax clearance, and secure approval from the Ministry of Agriculture, followed by an Export Permit Declaration (EPD) issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
At the same time ,the Professional press secretary reading the Executive order emphasized Post-Export Taxation: Exporters are required to remit an Advance Income Tax of 4% (small taxpayers) or 2% (medium/large taxpayers) immediately after export.
Making reference to would be violators, Madam Fofana highlighted strict Penalties for Noncompliance entities that falsify documents or evade the provisions of the Executive Order will face a USD $50,000 fine for the first offense, with repeat violators subject to additional penalties and revocation of export privileges.
In a drive to effectively implement the Executive Order 151, the Presidential Press Secretary told Executive mansion reporters that the Ministry of Agriculture will lead the enforcement of the Order, in coordination with the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Liberia Revenue Authority, and the Rubber Development Fund Incorporated.
Moreover, a joint administrative guidelines will be issued to ensure smooth implementation, she added
The latest decision she indicated is aligns with the President’s broader vision to strengthen domestic industries, enhance Liberia’s export competitiveness, and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for Liberians.
