The Rubber Processors Association of Ghana (RUPAG) has welcomed the government’s decision to restrict the export of raw rubber, describing the policy as a crucial step towards strengthening the country’s domestic rubber industry. 

The measure forms part of the Feed the Industry Programme announced in the 2026 Budget Statement.

In a statement signed by its General Secretary and copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), the Association noted that exports of raw rubber have risen sharply over the past decade, diverting essential materials away from local processors. 

This trend, it said, has weakened factory operations, threatened out-grower financing schemes, caused job losses, and resulted in significant foreign-exchange leakages.

RUPAG described the new policy direction as a “critical and timely intervention” that is necessary to protect domestic processors and realign the natural rubber value chain with Ghana’s long-term development agenda, particularly under the Feed the Industry Programme.

According to the Association, the restriction on raw rubber exports is expected to stimulate industrial growth by ensuring a consistent supply for local factories.

It added that the move will help processors operate at higher capacity, enabling the country to achieve greater economic value through increased processing and value addition.

The Association also acknowledged the decision as evidence that the government has taken into account the long-standing concerns of stakeholders. 

It said the measure marks a turning point for the sector and aligns with broader national efforts to advance industrialisation and strengthen value addition across key commodities.

RUPAG reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the government and industry stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation of the policy. 

It stated that it will collaborate on plans to increase national raw rubber production from the current 100,000 tonnes of dry rubber to 250,000 tonnes by 2035.

Source: Access Agri