World applauds ivory ban, but experts say illegal trade may rise

Retailers could face pressure to reduce stockpiles, as Yang Wanli reports from Beijing with Sylvia Chang in Hong Kong.

China's ban on the sale and processing of ivory, which came into force on Dec 31, has already begun to have an effect on businesses in the sector.

At the end of last year, the Guangzhou Daxin Ivory Carving Factory in Guangdong province employed 30 ivory carvers, but 18 were made redundant earlier this month, leaving just 12 full-time employees.