Kimble Chung, a notable ginger exporter based in Suva, has accused the Fiji Fresh Ginger Exporters Association of hindering his efforts to ship ginger to the United States. In a report by The Fiji Times dated October 2, 1989, Chung asserted that the association had pressured the shipping company Burns Philp Shipping to refuse transporting his products to the US West Coast.
Chung claimed the association demanded a new freight rate exceeding $3,000, a notable increase from the standard rate of $2,800. He also mentioned concerns that his ginger would be stored on the deck during transit instead of in the hold, which could jeopardize its quality.
“I sell my ginger to smaller buyers, but they want me to supply larger buyers who need at least 200,000 pounds,” Chung expressed. He noted that the shipping company was scheduled to send a container that day.
This situation is not a new challenge for Chung, who has faced difficulties with the association in the past. He pointed out that their pressure seems to aim at channeling his shipments towards larger buyers while he prefers to cater to smaller ones.
Chung’s business, Chung’s Trading, situated in Vatuwaqa, currently has nearly 2,000 cartons of ginger prepared for export, with the shipment valued around $27,000. Besides cultivating ginger on his own farm in Namara, he also sources it from local farmers.
He speculated that the association’s actions are intended to safeguard established buyers and limit opportunities for new exporters. Previously, Chung encountered payment issues with certain buyers, leading him to forgo shipments to them. Nonetheless, he remains resolute in his intention to continue his export activities and navigate the challenges posed by the association.