By Stephen G. Fellajuah
MONROVIA, Liberia, July 20, 2026 — The Chief Executive Officer of Jeety Rubber LLC and Salala Rubber Corporation, Dr. Upjit Singh Sachdeva, has reaffirmed his companies’ commitment to investing in Liberia, creating jobs and contributing to national development through tax payments.
Sachdeva, widely known as “Mr. Jeety,” made the commitment following a July 15 hearing convened by the House of Representatives to examine the shortage of raw rubber affecting local processing companies.
The hearing brought together key stakeholders to discuss Executive Order No. 166, issued by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to restrict the export of unprocessed rubber and promote domestic value addition.
During the hearing, the Ministry of Agriculture warned that several processing companies could face shutdowns if the executive order is not effectively enforced. It said limited access to raw materials threatens thousands of jobs and the survival of Liberia’s rubber-processing industry.
According to figures presented by the ministry, Liberia’s six rubber-processing companies require a combined 36,600 metric tons of rubber monthly but currently receive only about 14,000 tons, resulting in a deficit of approximately 22,600 tons.
The ministry attributed the shortage largely to the export of unprocessed rubber by brokers. It claimed that about 22,000 metric tons of raw rubber are exported monthly, depriving domestic processors of essential supplies and reducing potential government revenue.
Figures presented at the hearing showed that Firestone receives 5,800 metric tons monthly against a requirement of 7,500 tons. Lee Group Enterprise receives about 600 tons of the 6,000 tons it requires, while Nimba Rubber receives 1,340 tons against a monthly need of 9,000 tons.
Cavalla Rubber Corporation receives 640 tons against a requirement of 5,000 tons, while Jeety Rubber was also reported to be experiencing a significant supply shortfall.
The ministry cited Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana as examples of countries that have restricted exports of raw agricultural products to encourage domestic processing, employment and value addition.
Supporters of Executive Order No. 166 argued that the measure supports the Boakai administration’s economic agenda by promoting industrial development, local manufacturing and job creation.
However, smallholder farmer and rubber broker Saye Keyeh and representatives of the Rubber Brokers Union raised concerns about the potential impact of the policy on farmers and brokers.
They referenced a previous arrangement under which Firestone reportedly paid brokers a commission of US$80 for each ton of rubber delivered to the company. They said Firestone discontinued the arrangement but expressed willingness to participate in further discussions.
Following the hearing, Sachdeva reiterated that his companies remain prepared to support Liberia’s economic growth through continued investment, job creation and tax contributions.
The House Committee on Agriculture recorded testimony from the participating stakeholders and is expected to submit a report containing its findings and recommendations to the Speaker of the House and the Ministry of Agriculture.
