Information about tiger bone export from range states is poor or often non-existent. Many of the states are not wealthy in terms of per capita GNP or in resources to police poaching and smuggling. These factors and the high prices paid for tiger bone compared to individuals' incomes pave the way for a black market. Profits from the sale of an average 17kg tiger skeleton can equal more than 10 years' salary in seven of the 14 tiger range states. China, one such range state, plays a multiple role of exporter, importer and consumer.
Some Chinese officials believe that no South China or Siberian tigers remain in the country.
However, South Korea customs data indicate that Indonesia supplied the majority of its imported tiger bone from 1970-1993. Other data indicate Indonesia exported tiger bone to Taiwan in 1984 and imported tiger medicines from China in 1991 and 1992. In 1990, Indonesia passed new conservation legislation, now used as the basis for protecting endangered species such as the tiger. But while there are nature reserves with tigers, little is known about the adequacy of protection and at least 14 tigers are lost annually to poaching and pest management. However, such trade in each of these countries is documented elsewhere.