Unfortunately, the answer to this question is not straightforward. While the most recent report from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime indicates that countries in Africa and Asia continue to be major markets for ivory, the exact amount of ivory traded by each country is difficult to assess, as much of the trade is illegal and therefore not reported.
In recent years, the illegal ivory trade has become increasingly prevalent in countries such as China, the United States, and the United Kingdom, who remain the only countries where raw ivory and finished products can legally be bought and sold.
In fact, a 2019 report from the International Fund for Animal Welfare showed that the United States was the largest single market for newly produced ivory in 2017, followed by Japan and China.
At the same time, there is evidence to suggest that African countries play a major role in the illegal ivory trade, with reports citing the involvement of Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda in the sale of elephant tusks.
Therefore, it is difficult to state definitively where the most ivory is traded. It is likely that a combination of both legal and illegal markets across many countries is responsible for much of the ivory trade.
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Where is ivory trade most common?
Ivory trade is most common in areas of Africa, particularly in Central and West Africa. It is illegal in many countries due to growing conservation concerns, however, it is still rampant in a number of areas.
The ivory trade is highly detrimental to the remaining African elephant populations, whose tusks are often targeted. In countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon and the Central African Republic, poaching for ivory is an increasingly common practice, facilitated by armed rebel groups who often illegally poison rivers to kill many other species at the same time.
The international ivory trade has largely been reduced by stricter regulations and international agreements, however, with illegal traffickers increasingly trafficking large quantities of ivory to Asia, particularly to China and Thai brothels, there are still major concerns over the future of the African elephant population.
Furthermore, there is evidence of continued domestic ivory trade in most African countries, often taking place at local markets and low-level traders who may not be aware of the illegality or the consequences of their actions.
Where is the biggest demand for ivory today?
The biggest demand for ivory today is in Southeast Asia, particularly China. China is the world’s largest importer and consumer of ivory, primarily due to an increase in wealth and luxury materials. Chinese ivory consumption is estimated to account for as much as 70% of the global market and is growing rapidly, particularly among upper-class Chinese citizens.
Additionally, Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam and Thailand, as well as other nations such as Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea, also have a high demand for ivory products.
The demand for ivory is largely driven by the luxury goods market, with ivory items such as figurines, jewelry, and carvings being especially popular. Ivory is also used in traditional medicines in some cultures and for religious ceremonies as artifacts.
Ivory poachers have had a devastating impact on elephant populations worldwide, so there is a growing movement to stop the ivory trade and reduce consumer demand.
Where is the largest ivory market?
The largest ivory market in the world is located in Hong Kong. It is estimated that Hong Kong is responsible for up to 70% of all illegal ivory trade estimates and accounts for about half of the global market for illegal ivory.
According to the WWF, Hong Kong is the largest market for ivory products which include jewelry, statues, sculptures, carvings and other objects.
In 2017, the Hong Kong government made a commitment to phase out its domestic ivory trade and proceeded with a bill in June 2019 which would completely ban the sale and purchase of ivory in the territory by 2020.
With a law prohibiting the movement of ivory outside the country, this would help reduce the demand in other countries and ultimately help to save the lives of elephants.
Who are the biggest buyers of ivory?
The illegal ivory trade is driven by demand from buyers around the world, meaning that in order to effectively combat illegal ivory trade, it is important to identify the major buyers. According to the World Wildlife Fund, the three main consumers of elephant ivory are China, Thailand, and the United States.
In China, ivory has traditionally been used to craft decorative items, including jewelry, carvings, and artwork. Chinese elites have also sought ivory as a means of displaying wealth and status. Demand in the country has grown rapidly since the 1980s, with a surge of Chinese tourists visiting Africa and rich Chinese customers buying items to take home.
China has recently made moves to try to combat the illegal ivory trade, such as banning the domestic trade by the end of 2017.
In Thailand, Demand for ivory has largely been as a status symbol among the wealthy, with much of the ivory going toward ornate carvings, trinkets and jewelry. Thailand also has a long-standing tradition of carving ivory, though this is largely done with domestically sourced elephant ivory; for example, the country is home to multiple factories that specialize in crafting ivory figurines.
In the United States, ivory has been used for jewelry, gunstocks, and guitar inlays. While in most cases, these objects are made from elephant ivory, some items may also be made from a variety of other ivory sources.
The Obama administration passed significant restrictions on domestic ivory trade and this build on the United States’ commitment to global ivory-trade control.
These three countries are the biggest buyers of ivory at present, making up the majority of global demand. By understanding the motivations, preferences, and behaviors of consumers in these countries, policies can be put in place to reduce the power of the illegal ivory trade.
Can you legally sell ivory in the US?
No, it is illegal to buy and sell ivory within the United States. Federal laws prohibit the commercial import and export of African elephant ivory, and most states have their own laws that regulate the buying and selling of ivory.
In 2016, the US Fish and Wildlife Service announced a near-complete ban on the import, export and commercial sale of African elephant ivory, with some exceptions. You may still be able to own ivory purchased before the law was enacted, but it cannot be bought or sold in the United States.
If you are thinking of selling ivory, check with state and local laws to make sure you are in compliance. It is also important to make sure the ivory you are selling is not from a protected species.
Where is the World is the largest market for illegal ivory?
Asia is the world’s largest market for illegal ivory. China is the primary destination of illegal ivory, where it is exported and sold to buyers primarily for the purpose of decoration or to be carved into trinkets or jewelry.
Other countries in the region, such as Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, Laos, and Malaysia, also have significant markets for illicit ivory. Unregulated ivory trade is driven largely by consumer demand in eastern, Asian markets where status is derived from the possession of ivory goods, as well as a lack of enforcement.
Despite increased clampdowns on the trade, demand in the Asian market has fueled a significant surge in illegal ivory shipments in recent years. This environment has made it difficult for international organizations and governments to combat the illegal ivory trade.
Who is the largest exporter of ivory in the world?
The title of the world’s largest exporter of ivory is a much-debated topic. As wild elephants are now an endangered species, their ivory is heavily regulated internationally, making it nearly impossible to pinpoint one nation as the largest exporter.
However, the most commonly cited claim is that China is currently the world’s largest exporter of ivory.
Since 1989, commercial trading of African elephant ivory has been nearly prohibited internationally due to its listing under CITES, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
As such, the precise quantity and value of ivory trading is difficult to measure, making it impossible to definitively determine which nation is the largest exporter.
In recent years, China has played an important role in the global ivory trade due to its status as a manufacturing powerhouse. The Chinese ivory industry demands millions of dollars worth of ivory annually, often driving the prices to astronomical heights.
In 2017, China made an official announcement that it would be closing its domestic ivory market by the end of 2018, though whether this policy change will lead to a decrease in illegal ivory trading is still up for debate.
In addition to China, there are other countries that could be considered major ivory exporters. These include countries in East Africa, such as Tanzania and Kenya, which are thought to have extensive illegal ivory trading networks.
As of now, the exact size of these networks is unknown, making it difficult to determine their impact on the world’s ivory trade.
Which state is famous for ivory carving?
The state of Hawaii is perhaps the most famous for ivory carving. While many states have a tradition of ivory carving, Hawaii has the longest history and most iconic pieces of work carved into ivory.
Hawaiians have been intricately carving ivory since at least the 19th century, and these intricate pieces of art have been cherished by both locals and visitors to the islands. Traditional ivory artwork commonly features detailed depictions of native flora and fauna and draws inspiration from Polynesian culture.
Today, while ivory carving is not as popular, there are still some master artisans who practice the craft and produce beautiful works of art. In fact, some of the finest ivory carvings in the world can be found in Hawaii.
Or enroll in workshops to learn about the craft and make their own pieces. This makes Hawaii the perfect destination for anyone looking to appreciate the traditional art of ivory carving.
What is the current price of ivory?
It is difficult to provide an exact answer to this question as the current price of ivory fluctuates depending on region, industry, and other factors. Prices also vary depending on the type, size, quality, and condition of the ivory in question.
Generally, ivory trades on the black market in the range of $100 – $200 per kilogram. This figure tends to be relatively consistent across different regions, although variations can occur based on region and ivory type.
In addition to this, ivory poachers often demand much higher prices than the regulated market value, so individuals in search of ivory should be wary of anyone selling ivory at an unreasonably high price.
Ultimately, the current price of ivory can vary significantly depending on its specific characteristics, but the general range is between $100 and $200 per kilogram.
Where can I sell my ivory?
It is illegal to sell ivory in many countries due to regulations and laws that have been put in place in order to help protect endangered elephants. Therefore, you should not attempt to sell your ivory, even if it is an antique.
Instead of selling the ivory, you should donate it to an organization that works to conserve and protect elephants and their habitats. Organizations such as the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), Elephant Voices, and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) are just a few that are dedicated to safeguarding these majestic animals.
Furthermore, these organizations will also determine whether or not the ivory can be used for educational or conservation purposes. By donating the ivory, you will be helping to protect wildlife, rather than contributing to the illegal ivory trade.
How much is a lb of ivory worth?
The price of ivory varies greatly, depending on a variety of factors such as size, condition and type. Generally speaking, a pound of raw elephant ivory can cost around $850, while a pound of raw walrus ivory can cost up to $1750.
Precious ivory obtained from whale, hippo, and narwhal can cost even more, with price tags ranging from $1,000 to $4,000 per pound. On the other hand, carved ivory often sells for much less than raw ivory, with prices ranging from as little as $100 to as much as $50,000 per pound.
Who is buying most of the ivory?
The illegal ivory trade is incredibly destructive to both African elephant and rhinoceros populations, with tens of thousands of animals poached each year for their ivory tusks and horns. Unfortunately, the demand for ivory is still very high – and many of the buyers are individuals in developed countries.
The biggest market for ivory, according to INTERPOL, is the United States, followed by Japan and different countries around Europe. While it is difficult to obtain precise figures on who, exactly, is buying ivory from poachers, it is often high-society people who purchase expensive products, or those with a strong connection to the Far East.
In addition to individuals, criminal syndicates are often involved in the illegal ivory trade. These organizations have powerful networks and have the ability to move ivory all around the world to different countries.
They may smuggle ivory and use corrupt officials to cover their tracks, making it even more difficult to trace who is actually buying and selling the ivory.
Ultimately, there are many different individuals and groups who are buying ivory – and if nothing is done, many more African elephants and rhinoceroses will be lost. To combat the illegal ivory trade, action needs to be taken on both the demand and supply sides of the equation.
Governments must increase law enforcement efforts and harsher punishments for those involved in the ivory trade, while also increasing public education and awareness programs to reduce demand.
