Why is ivory smuggled?
Factors include, but are not limited to, the growing demand for ivory in China; the limited supply of legally obtained ivory; limited inspections of shipping containers; shortage of law enforcement agents; corruption within the systems involved in enforcement of the ban on ivory sales, the arrests and convictions of …
Who supplies the ivory for the ivory trade?
It is estimated that as much as 70% of ivory is imported to China, where carved ivory items are popular and considered a symbol of status. China is not the only consumer of ivory however. The United States, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, and the Philippines also support large markets.
Why do Asians buy ivory?
For centuries, ivory and other products derived from wild animals have been used in traditional medicines and flaunted as symbols of wealth in China and other parts of Asia, and high demand for such goods has been met in part through poaching.
Which Asian country has most smuggled ivory seized?
China
All the illegal seizures represent a small fraction of the ivory smuggled….Asian Countries With The Highest Ivory Seizures.
| Rank | Asian Country/Region | Weight of Ivory Seized Between 1989 and 2011 (in pounds) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | China | 90,600 |
| 2 | Thailand | 47,100 |
| 3 | Hong Kong | 45,500 |
| 4 | Taiwan | 40,500 |
Is the ivory trade banned in China?
Two years after China bans elephant ivory trade, demand for elephant ivory is down. Two years ago this month, China took the monumental step of banning elephant ivory trade within the country. Dec. 31, 2017 was the last day it was legal to buy or sell ivory there.
Is buying ivory illegal?
It’s important to understand that simply possessing ivory you already own is not illegal, nor is passing it on to your heirs. Preexisting items manufactured with ivory such as musical instruments used in orchestras, furniture and items such as firearms containing fewer than 200 grams are exempt.
