A prominent rubber planter, Charles Bamakpeh, has commended the House of Representatives' Committee on Agriculture for taking a bold step to examine the controversial Executive Order 166. The order, signed by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai on June 24, 2026, bans the export of unprocessed natural rubber indefinitely. Bamakpeh, CEO of Meawon Liberia Incorporated, believes the Committee's decision to convene roundtable discussions is a welcome intervention that could pave the way for better understanding and a recommendation to the President for a positive reversal of the order.
Local rubber farmers across Liberia have cried foul over Executive Order 166, arguing that it disadvantages them while giving leverage to bigger farmers and concessionaires. Many smallholder farmers have expressed frustration, stating that the policy has made it difficult for them to compete and survive in the sector. Bamakpeh indicated that the House's intervention is timely and shows that lawmakers are listening to the plight of local farmers.
The House Agriculture Committee's latest meeting, however, ended prematurely due to the absence of several key stakeholders, including representatives of big concession companies, regulatory authorities, and the Ministry of Agriculture. The Committee stated that the hearing could not properly proceed because of the absences and other irregularities observed. A new date for the hearing is expected to be announced once all parties have been duly notified.
Despite the postponement, Bamakpeh is excited about the step taken by the House, calling it a bold step forward. He urged the Committee to exert further and speedy action to bring the situation to a successful and conclusive end. Bamakpeh emphasized that the House's intervention should be lauded, though it's just the first step forward.
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai signed Executive Order No. 166 on June 24, 2026, banning the export of unprocessed natural rubber indefinitely, effective July 1, 2026. The order defines unprocessed rubber broadly, including natural latex, coagulum, cup lump, tree lace, bark scrap, ground scrap, and any rubber not subjected to industrial processing. The government stated that the ban aims to strengthen local processing, create employment, increase domestic value addition, and ensure Liberian rubber farmers benefit more directly from the industry.
However, local farmers believe that the ban is an unjust way of taking them out of the industry. The House Agriculture Committee's intervention has been seen as a positive step towards addressing the concerns of local farmers. The Committee's efforts to bring all stakeholders together to examine the order and find a solution are expected to lead to a better conversation and a recommendation to the President.
The outcome of the House Agriculture Committee's intervention is expected to have a significant impact on the Liberian rubber industry. With the Committee's efforts to ensure a fair and transparent process, local farmers are hopeful that their concerns will be addressed, and a solution will be found that benefits all stakeholders. The Committee's actions will be crucial in determining the future of the industry and the livelihoods of thousands of Liberian rubber farmers.
Key points
- The House Agriculture Committee's intervention in Executive Order 166 aims to address the concerns of local rubber farmers who feel disadvantaged by the policy.
- The Committee's efforts to bring all stakeholders together to examine the order and find a solution are expected to lead to a better conversation and a recommendation to the President.
- The outcome of the Committee's intervention will have a significant impact on the Liberian rubber industry and the livelihoods of thousands of Liberian rubber farmers.
