By: Heng Chestar
Despite the controversy surrounding the export of long-tailed macaques, including the arrest and trial of a senior official by U.S. authorities, Cambodia has been granted the right to continue exporting these animals until the end of the year due to high demand.
Mongabay, an independent, non-profit media organization specializing in reporting on natural resources, wildlife, and environmental science, has confirmed the legality of Cambodia’s macaque trade.
The same source stated that CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) has rejected proposals to suspend Cambodia’s macaque exports. CITES affirmed that Cambodia’s export of long-tailed macaques will remain legal until November 2025.
CITES’ decision not to suspend exports is mainly due to the scientific and laboratory demands from countries like Japan, China, Canada, the United States, and others. Among them, Canada has expressed confidence in Cambodia’s compliance with export regulations for these primates.
This decision by CITES has disappointed some conservationists, who argue that wild macaques are facing threats from poaching, habitat loss, and unsustainable trade. They warn that allowing this trade to continue could lead to illegal activities and further endanger the species.
The long-tailed macaque trade has become a major international issue for Cambodia, as it has grown into a half-billion-dollar industry.
According to research, the trade value of these macaques in 2023 exceeded $516 million, with the United States and Japan being the largest buyers. The U.S. alone spent approximately $122 million per year, while Japan spent around $96 million.
Regarding this issue, a senior Cambodian official was arrested by U.S. authorities at an international airport while traveling, detained, and taken to court. However, in 2024, the U.S. authorities later released the official and allowed them to return to Cambodia, as part of efforts to maintain Cambodia’s legal standing in the macaque trade.
As of now, delegates from Canada, China, Poland, Kuwait, and the United States have all agreed to Cambodia’s request, leading the CITES Standing Committee to temporarily lift restrictions on Cambodia’s macaque trade. The decision will remain in effect until a new meeting takes place from November 24 to December 5, 2025, in Uzbekistan.
