The Solomon Islands Commodities Exporting and Marketing Authority, CEMA, has resolved that the country will no longer export copra to overseas markets as of next year.
The Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation quotes Alfred Ramo from CEMA as saying that the decision stems from closures of mills in Europe which Solomon Islands normally sell copra to.
He says the other reason is that copra exporting countries are now learning it's beneficial moving away from selling copra to coconut oil.
Mr Ramo says because of this Solomon Islands will start processing copra into oil to attract higher prices, while exporters stand to gain in volume, freight and returns.
The move is reportedly in line with CEMA's plans when it established six copra crashing mills throughout the country.
