Supply

Copra

Demand Far Exceeds Supply

THERE has been little change in the copra situation, as it was reported in this journal last month.

Although coconut planters throughout the South Seas are doing their utmost to produce every possible bag of copra, to take advantage of the exceptional price, the increase in output is very far behind the demands of the United Nations. That position is likely to remain, so long as the great copra-producing territories of Philippines and East Indies are in enemy hands.

The official prices are £lB (Fijian) per ton in Fiji, and up to £24 (Australian) in the Western Pacific. But, so keen is the demand, it is likely that sales at higher prices are taking place.

The planters of New Guinea, Papua and Solomons may get back in time to gain some benefit from these prices.

There is ground for hoping that the Japs will be thrown out of New Guinea some time before the Philippines and East Indies are freed from their grip.