Disposal of Tonga's
p. 25 · Read in the full issue
Copra in 1957
rpONGA’S plans for the sale of A copra on conclusion of the British Ministry of Food purchasing contract this yfear, we?e announced in October. Briefly, the new arrangement is as follows: All copra from Ha’apai and Vava’u groups will go to Unilever Ltd. at the ruling free-market price based on Philippines prices.
Tongatapu copra will be sold on the free market “in furtherance of the Copra Board’s policy of gaining experience in this field and being in a position to benefit from any advantageous fluctuations in prices and freight rates in the various markets”.
Messrs. C. Czarnikow Ltd., of London, will act as agents for the Board there at 2 per cent, com mission.
All hot-air dried copra sold to Unilevers will rate a premium of 50/- Stg. per ton, and all FMS first quality copra will rate a 25/premium.
Although the official announce ment does not say so, it is under stood that a large part of the copra from Tongatapu will go to the United States if prices are reason ably competitive there, to maintain a satisfactory trade balance with that country.