Kimble Chung, a well-known ginger exporter based in Suva, has accused the Fiji Fresh Ginger Exporters Association of hindering his attempts to export ginger to the United States. In a report from The Fiji Times dated October 2, 1989, Mr. Chung stated that the association pressured Burns Philp Shipping, the shipping company, to decline transporting his goods to the US West Coast.
Mr. Chung revealed that the association has requested a new freight rate exceeding $3000, which is significantly higher than the regular rate of $2800. He further expressed concerns that his ginger would be stored on deck instead of in the hold, which could jeopardize its quality.
“I send my ginger to small buyers, but they want me to supply larger buyers who require at least 200,000 pounds,” Mr. Chung noted. He indicated that BP Shipping was scheduled to dispatch a container on that same day.
This situation is not new for Mr. Chung, who has faced similar challenges with the association in the past. He reported that the association is attempting to direct his shipments towards larger clients, despite his inclination to cater to smaller buyers.
Chung’s Trading, located in Vatuwaqa, currently has close to 2000 cartons of ginger prepared for export, with a shipment valued around $27,000 USD (approximately $59,736 Fijian). In addition to ginger sourced from his own farm in Namara, Chung also collaborates with local farmers.
He suspects that the association’s actions may be intended to safeguard established buyers and limit opportunities for new exporters. Mr. Chung has previously dealt with payment issues with certain buyers, which led him to discontinue shipments to them.
Despite the obstacles posed by the association, Chung remains determined to proceed with his export activities.