How much is the illegal ivory trade worth?

How much is the illegal ivory trade worth?

Currently going for about $3,300 per pound, the global trade in ivory is worth about $23 billion annually, a reality made plain by the gruesome photos of butchered elephants that have become almost commonplace.

Where is the largest market for illegal ivory?

China is reputed to be one of the world’s largest markets for illegal ivory trade. Since 2002, ETIS (Elephant Trade Information System) reports to CITES have consistently identified China as the leading destination for ivory globally (Milliken, 2016).

Is trading in ivory illegal?

In response, the international ivory trade was banned in 1989. Since then several countries, even China, have banned domestic sales.

Who buys illegal ivory?

China is by far the largest importer of this legalized ivory, however the United States, Canada, Germany, South Korea, Thailand, and Singapore also import mammoth ivory directly from Russia (page 21). However mammoth ivory has also been used as a cover to sell illicit elephant ivory in the United States.

How much is a kilo of ivory?

The price for ivory between July and October 2018 was approximately between 210-225 USD/kg, and in the span of two years it has decreased by approxi- mately 50% to 115 USD/kg in 2020. The price for ivory in July 2017 was approximately 184 USD/kg and has been declining since then.

How much is African ivory worth?

The prices paid for raw ivory in Africa have decreased correspondingly from $208/kg to $92/kg in 2020. Those numbers pale in comparison to a living elephant. A 2014 study found that live elephants are each worth an estimated $1.6 million in ecotourism opportunities.

What countries allow ivory trade?

Countries, including the United States, China, and Japan, continued to allow the legal trade of ivory within their own borders, which kept the culture of ivory worship on life support.

Who is involved in ivory trade?

Stakeholders include the poachers, smugglers, law enforcement community, conservationists, producers and purchasers of ivory products in China. In one way or another these stakeholders participate in the supply chain of illegally obtained ivory—and the decline of the African elephant population.

When was ivory outlawed?

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) decided to end international ivory trade in 1989. This year marks thirty years since the ban entered into effect, on January 18, 1990. Still, why does the poaching continue?

Can I sell ivory?

As of the 2016 National Strategy on Wildlife Trafficking law, it is illegal to sell ivory although there are some exceptions to the law. There are several pre-existing ivory items that fall under an ESA antiques exemption which can be sold within a person’s state: Items must contain no more than 200 grams of ivory.

How much is ivory worth per kg?

The prices paid for raw ivory in Africa have decreased correspondingly from $208/kg to $92/kg in 2020. Those numbers pale in comparison to a living elephant.

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