By: Cassell Samson
The National Rubber Brokers and Farmers Union of Liberia (NARBFUL) has expressed deep concern and disappointment over President Joseph Boakai’s latest Executive Order (#151), which imposes a $150 surcharge per metric ton on the export of unprocessed natural rubber from Liberia.
In a statement issued Monday morning, the Union described the sudden policy as a serious threat to the survival of thousands of smallholder rubber farmers and brokers who rely on the sector for their livelihoods.
The Executive Order, which took effect August 1, 2025, places major restrictions on the export of raw rubber and introduces new fees, including $3,000 per container, among other associated costs. While the government says the move is intended to promote domestic processing and value addition, NARBFUL says it lacks consultation, warning that the sector is not yet ready to absorb such changes.
The Union claims that concession companies like Firestone, LAC, and Jeety, backed by the Rubber Planters Association of Liberia (RPAL) have historically refused to work with them, undermining efforts to build an inclusive and sustainable rubber sector. They argue that despite producing 65% of Liberia’s natural rubber, smallholder farmers are being marginalized in favor of large corporations.
NARBFUL called on President Boakai to reconsider the executive order and provide a grace period for Liberian rubber stakeholders to complete the construction of locally owned rubber processing facilities. The Union says one such plant is already underway in Todee District, Montserrado County, and others are being developed across the country.
In their appeal, the Union also criticized the Ministry of Agriculture for allegedly misinforming the president and taking sides with concession companies. They further accused the Agriculture Minister of lacking the problem-solving skills needed to stabilize the sector.
Despite their frustrations, NARBFUL emphasized that it remains committed to supporting the government’s tax collection efforts. The Union noted that it has signed Memoranda of Understanding with both the Ministry of Agriculture (through RETRAP) and the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) to ensure rubber sales are taxed appropriately. They claim that some large companies have failed to meet these obligations.
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