MONROVIA-The President issued  Executive Order  #151 as a  sweeping measure to restrict the export of unprocessed rubber and promote domestic value addition.

The Executive Order which takes immediate effect as of the day of issuance aims at revitalizing Liberia’s rubber sector and fostering inclusive economic growth, and also  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.

The President reckoned that Liberia, for so long, has exported its rubber in raw form, forfeiting opportunities for domestic manufacturing, job creation, and increased revenue.

President Boakai stated. “This Executive Order is a turning point. We are laying the groundwork for industrialization, value addition, and long-term economic transformation.”

According to the Executive Mansion, EO #151 takes into consideration key restrictions including export of unprocessed rubber such as natural latex, cup lump, bark scrap, ground scrap, and other forms listed under “Schedule A”

“Only processed rubber such as Technically Specified Rubber (TSR) is exempted,” it is ordered in EO #151.

For tax and fee requirements,  exporters are required to  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.

As per protocol, exporters are demanded  to 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.

Also, exporters are required to remit an Advance Income Tax of 4% (small taxpayers) or 2% (medium/large taxpayers) immediately after export.

According to the President, there will be strict penalties for noncompliant entities that falsify documents or evade the provisions of the Executive Order.

It is stipulated that violators will face a USD $50,000 fine for the first offense, with repeat violators subject to additional penalties and revocation of export privileges.

At the same time, President Boakai has mandated the Ministry of Agriculture to 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.

He said “Joint administrative guidelines will be issued to ensure smooth implementation.”

The Executive Mansion said the decision aligns with the President’s broader vision to strengthen domestic industries, enhance Liberia’s export competitiveness, and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for Liberians.