What is Ivory Worth?
That’s a lot of money in most African countries. But the big profit is made in Asia.
Thai Customs recently evaluated smuggled ivory as being worth R28059.59 per kilogram—R280595.86 per elephant—wholesale. The “street value” retail price of 10 kilograms of carved ivory now runs about R935319.54.
How Much Is Ivory Worth In south Africa?
The prices paid for raw ivory in Africa have decreased correspondingly from R3242.44/kg to R1434.16/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.
Is it legal to sell ivory in South Africa?
In South Africa, trade in new ivory is also prohibited while the trade in ‘antique’ ivory is permitted. Retailers in South Africa who stock antique ivory items must be registered.
Does ivory have any value?
It has no intrinsic value, but its cultural uses make ivory highly prized. In Africa, it has been a status symbol for millennia because it comes from elephants, a highly respected animal, and because it is fairly easy to carve into works of art.
Is ivory more expensive than gold?
Newfound wealth in countries like China, Vietnam and Thailand is fueling demand for luxury items including rhino horns and ivory, causing prices to skyrocket. Now, pound for pound, the dense white stuff is worth more than gold.