Malawi Bans Hardwood Exports

Malawi, Africa, Aug. 21, 2008--The Ministry of Industry and Trade has imposed an immediate ban on the export of hardwood and hardwood products due to rampant deforestation that has threatened the future of natural trees mostly used in the carving of curios.

But the move has not gone down well with curio traders who fear the ban would negatively affect their business, which is mostly export oriented.

However, in an interview on Monday, Principal Secretary of Industry and Trade Nebert Nyirenda, said the decision was made to preserve forests and avoid further environmental degradation.

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