May 14 – (Vietnam Insider) – A recent report has revealed staggering data on global efforts to combat the illegal ivory trade, with Vietnam ranking among the top countries for ivory seizures between 1990 and 2024, alongside Kenya, China, and Hong Kong.
Over the 34-year period, Kenya led the world in ivory seizures, with more than 130,000 kilograms confiscated—an amount valued at up to $390 million on the black market. China followed with 106,068 kg, while Hong Kong and Vietnam recorded 75,706 kg and 71,255 kg, respectively.
These figures highlight not only the sheer scale of the illicit ivory trade but also the ongoing challenges in enforcing bans and protecting endangered elephant populations.
A Lucrative Black Market
Despite the global ban on international ivory trade under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), demand persists—fueled by a thriving black market where prices range from $1,000 to $3,000 per kilogram, depending on quality and region.
The immense profit potential makes smuggling a high-reward, high-risk activity, particularly in regions with weak law enforcement, porous borders, and rampant corruption.
Vietnam’s Role: Transit Point and Market Pressure
Vietnam’s position as both a transit hub and consumer market has placed it in the spotlight. While the country has strengthened its wildlife protection laws in recent years, large-scale ivory trafficking continues to pass through its ports, often en route to China or domestic black markets.
The volume of seizures in Vietnam reflects both increased enforcement efforts and the country’s central role in regional trafficking networks, despite national and international bans.
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As Vietnam continues to integrate with the global economy and enhance its environmental credentials, it faces growing international pressure to strengthen wildlife protection and play a leading role in ending the ivory trade once and for all.Trafficking Hotspots and Systemic Challenges
Hong Kong and Singapore continue to serve as major transshipment hubs due to their strategic locations and high shipping volumes, while countries like Mozambique and Nigeria—both major sources of poached ivory—struggle with systemic enforcement barriers and limited resources.
Even with domestic ivory bans now in place in key markets like China and Hong Kong, well-funded trafficking networks remain active and agile, often adapting quickly to enforcement changes and exploiting legal loopholes.
The Call for Coordinated Global Action
This alarming data serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for coordinated international action. Conservation experts are calling for:
- Stronger enforcement mechanisms and cross-border cooperation
- Tougher penalties for traffickers
- Greater investment in anti-poaching technology
- Demand reduction campaigns to change consumer behavior
Efforts to combat the illegal ivory trade must also address the root causes, including poverty, corruption, and weak governance in source countries.
A Shared Responsibility
The fight against wildlife crime is not one that any country can tackle alone. The illegal ivory trade remains a multi-billion-dollar global enterprise, threatening not just elephants but also regional security and rule of law.
As Vietnam continues to integrate with the global economy and enhance its environmental credentials, it faces growing international pressure to strengthen wildlife protection and play a leading role in ending the ivory trade once and for all.
Vietnam Insider will continue to follow developments on wildlife trafficking and environmental enforcement in Vietnam and across Southeast Asia.
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Source: Vietnam Insider