This report examines: 1) the key characteristics of the trade of Burmese-origin jadeite and rubies; (2) the progress U.S. agencies have made to restrict imports of Burmese jadeite, rubies, and related jewelry into the U.S. market; and (3) the progress U.S. agencies have made in pursuing international actions, including (a) seeking a World Trade Organization (WTO) waiver of U.S. WTO obligations regarding import restrictions of the JADE Act; (b) securing a United Nations (UN) resolution that expresses the need to address trade in Burmese-origin jadeite, rubies, and related jewelry and calls for a workable certification scheme to prevent such trade; and (c) working to negotiate an international arrangement--similar to the Kimberley Process (which certifies the origins of rough diamonds)--to prevent such trade. Our work incorporated views from U.S. government officials, U.S. and foreign jewelry industry representatives, foreign government officials, and academics with a range of expertise on Burma's economy and political situation.
Highlights of the report include:
-The Burmese jadeite and ruby trades are very different from one another and significantly involve China and Thailand.
-U.S. agencies have taken some steps but have not shown that they are effectively restricting imports of Burmese-origin rubies, jadeite, and related jewelry while allowing imports of non-Burmese-origin goods.
-U.S. agencies have made no discernible progress in gaining international support to prevent global trade in Burmese-origin rubies, jadeite, and related jewelry.
-Agency officials said there are serious impediments to achieving this objective, such as lack of international support and the inherent difficulty in identifying the country of origin for rubies and ruby jewelry. http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-09-987
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