Local rubber processors have petitioned the government to urgently regulate the export of raw rubber, warning that the practice is crippling domestic processing companies and threatening jobs across the value chain.
In a petition addressed to the Ministries of Food and Agriculture, Trade and Industry, and Finance, the processors argue that the uncontrolled export of raw rubber has created acute shortages for local factories, forcing some to operate far below capacity while others face possible shutdowns.
According to the petitioners, Ghana’s rubber industry was developed to support value addition and industrial growth, but the increasing export of unprocessed rubber is undermining that objective.
They say foreign buyers, backed by stronger purchasing power, are driving up prices locally, making it difficult for domestic processors to compete.
“The foreign exchange losses from raw rubber exports are severe. From 2025-2030, processed rubber is projected to earn US$950 million, compared to only $380 million if exported raw – a staggering loss of US$570 million. lf processors collapse, the nation risks an average annual loss of US$190 million in foreign exchange earnings. We also question whether the foreign exchange earned from raw exports is even fully repatriated into Ghana as required by the Foreign Exchange Act”, part of the petition sighted by Citi Business News read.
The group notes that local factories depend heavily on steady supplies of raw rubber from outgrower farmers and plantations, and disruptions in supply could lead to job losses, reduced tax revenue, and the collapse of investments made under government industrialisation programmes.
They are therefore calling on government to introduce policy measures that prioritise local processing, including restrictions or a temporary ban on the export of raw rubber, as well as incentives to encourage value addition within the country.
The petitioners also want clearer enforcement mechanisms to prevent the smuggling of raw rubber and ensure that existing regulations governing agricultural exports are adhered to.
They maintain that protecting local processors will not only safeguard jobs but also boost exports of finished rubber products, increase foreign exchange earnings, and strengthen Ghana’s industrial base.
Demands
1. Immediately cease authorising raw rubber exports.
2. Ensure all raw materials are supplied to local processors in line with national policy.
3. Take urgent enforcement action against those violating the May 2025 directive.
4. Provide transparent reporting on export volumes, enforcement actions, and penalties
applied.
5. Reaffirm TCDA’s alignment with the President’s 24-hour economy and value-addition
agenda.
