25 September 2015: The Governments of China and the United States said they would enact nearly complete bans on the import and export of ivory as part of efforts to end the global trade in ivory and combat wildlife trafficking, according to a White House press release.

China and the US agreed to take this step during a visit between President Xi Jinping, China, and President Barack Obama, US, which took place from 23-25 September 2015 in New York, the US. The two countries are among the biggest markets for poached ivory in the world.

China and the US committed to “significant and timely restrictions on the import of ivory as hunting trophies and to take significant and timely steps to halt domestic commercial trade of ivory.” Both countries also decided to cooperate on joint training and technical exchanges as well as public education and information sharing on wildlife trafficking. They also agreed to cooperate with other nations as part of a comprehensive effort to address illicit trade in wildlife. [White House Press Release] [IISD RS Natural Resources Policy & Practice Stories on Ivory]