Chronic political instability defines the current crisis of Madagascar’s government. So does the expansion of contraband, particularly commodities – precious woods, minerals, and so forth. For example, in northern Madagascar rosewood seizures regularly feature in newspaper gossip columns. The uncontrolled export of such products, especially rosewood, sandalwood, ebony and palisander, creates a substantial gap in Malagasy national finances. Such exports also degrade the island’s ancient woodlands. Such exports may appear to be a new phenomenon, but they are not. This short article does not pretend to be exhaustive, but it does lay out some keys to better understanding the relationships between Malagasy governments and international traders.