U.S. Imposes Ban on Taiwan Wildlife: The...

U.S. Imposes Ban on Taiwan Wildlife: The import ban on fish and wildlife products, established because of the country’s failure to halt trafficking in tiger bones and rhino horns, will go into effect Aug. 19. Heavy demand for the tiger and rhino parts in Asia--where they are used for reputed medical and sexual benefits--has resulted in the virtual extinction of the animals. The U.S. sanctions--the first time the United States has imposed trade penalties for environmental reasons--will affect about $25 million a year in imports of coral and mollusk shell jewelry, snake, lizard and crocodile skin shoes and other leather goods.