Reiterate Made In Liberia Tyris Production in 2028
In a move that could redefine the nation’s economic landscape, Indian-Liberian businessman Upjit Singh Sachdeva, widely known as “Jeety,” has issued a bold challenge to the Government of Liberia to provide his company with unprocessed rubber, and he will produce the first “Made in Liberia” tyres by 2028.
Speaking in an interview with Reporters Tuesday, Jeety disclosed that upon the completion of his factory expansion in July 2026, he will begin the process of manufacturing Liberia’s first-ever locally produced tyres, provided the government can ensure a steady supply of raw rubber for production.
Jeety currently employs approximately 3,000 Liberians across the Salala Rubber Corporation and the Jeety Rubber Complex. His ongoing expansion is expected to create an additional 400 jobs upon completion in 2026, further strengthening his contribution to employment and industrial growth. The company is owned by Jeety and his family.
According to him, he previously signed an Investment Incentive Contract with the government, committing to begin tire manufacturing within five years of commercial operations, placing the original timeline around 2029. However, he now says he is prepared to meet that target a year earlier, in 2028, if the necessary raw materials are made available.
The declaration marks a significant shift from exporting raw materials to embracing high-value manufacturing.
For decades, Liberia has exported unprocessed rubber, only to import finished products at a premium. Jeety’s vision seeks to break this cycle, contingent on securing a reliable supply of raw materials.
With the resources already physically present within the country, the responsibility now lies with key stakeholders to ensure that Liberia’s “white gold” fuels domestic industries rather than foreign markets. If successful, the 2028 target will not only signal the birth of a new industry but also mark a major milestone in Liberia’s journey toward economic independence.
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai signed Executive Order No. 151 on August 1, 2025, which places an immediate ban on the export of all unprocessed (raw) rubber from
Liberia. The order is part of a strategic shift to transition Liberia from an extractive economy to one focused on domestic manufacturing, value addition, and job creation.
The export of raw rubber products—including natural latex, cup lump, bark scrap, and ground scrap—is strictly prohibited.
Only processed rubber products that meet international standards, such as Technically Specified Rubber (TSR), are allowed to be exported.
To enforce compliance and support the Rubber Development Fund Incorporated (RDFI), the following measures were introduced: A mandatory fee of US$150 per metric ton on all exported rubber, A 4% presumptive tax on all rubber exports, Remittances of 4% for small taxpayers and 2% for medium and large taxpayers are required immediately after export.
Other measures and requirements states that Exporters must obtain an Export Permit Declaration (EPD) from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. This is only granted upon presenting valid tax clearance and official payment receipts.
Falsifying documents or evading these fees results in a US$50,000 fine for the first offense. Repeat violations may lead to the revocation of export privileges.
The Ministry of Agriculture is responsible for leading enforcement, supported by the Ministry of Finance, the Liberia Revenue Authority, and the RDFI.
While the move has been endorsed by groups like the Patriotic Entrepreneurs of Liberia (PATEL) for its potential to boost industrialization, some stakeholders have expressed concern that the ban could negatively impact smallholder farmers who rely on cross-border trade.
Since President Joseph Nyuma Boakai signed the Executive Order No. 151 on August 1, 2025, placing an immediate ban on the export of all unprocessed (raw) rubber from
Liberia, the order which is part of a strategic shift to transition Liberia from an extractive economy to one focused on domestic manufacturing, value addition, and job creation.
The export of raw rubber products—including natural latex, cup lump, bark scrap, and ground scrap—is strictly prohibited.
Only processed rubber products that meet international standards, such as Technically Specified Rubber (TSR), are allowed to be exported.
The enforcement , compliance and support the Rubber Development Fund Incorporated (RDFI), has ensure several measures including a mandatory fee of US$150 per metric ton on all exported rubber, a 4% presumptive tax on all rubber exports.,Remittances of 4% for small taxpayers and 2% for medium and large taxpayers are required immediately after export.
