- : ILJ 
 
 A SUPPLEMENT TO 
 
 International 
 Commerce 
 
 
 l LIBERIA 
 
 A MARKET FOR U. S. PRODUCTS 
 
 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COM M ERCE /Bureau of International Commerce 
 

 
 ... the weekly news magazine for world 
 traders published by the Bureau of 
 International Commerce and sold by 
 the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. 
 Government Printing Office, Washing- 
 ton, D.C. 20402, and by Department of 
 Commerce Field Offices for $16 a year. 
 
market 
 for 
 U.S. Products 
 in 
 
 Liberia 
 
 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 
 John T. Connor 
 
 +i** 0F c ^ Secretary 
 
 c 
 
 jfe. $ Thomas G. Wyman 
 
 4&$. 
 
 3 
 
 * Assistant Secretary for 
 
 J Domestic and International Business 
 
 A 
 
 %mo»^ BUREAU OF INTERNATIONAL COMMERCE 
 
 Eugene M. Braderman 
 Director 
 
 For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C., 20402 
 
 Price 35 Cents 
 
Foreword 
 
 With the publication of this study, the U.S. Department of Commerce through its 
 Bureau of International Commerce provides the U.S. businessman with the latest and 
 most complete information we have on growing export prospects in Liberia. 
 
 Traditionally the United States has been Liberia's most important trading partner. 
 The country was founded more than a century ago by Negro settlers from the United 
 States. Diplomatic relations between the two countries have been friendly. Commercial 
 contacts have been enhanced by the development of political institutions and business 
 custohis similar to those of the United States. English is the official language; the dollar 
 is the accepted currency. 
 
 In recent years private capital investments in Liberia have developed the country's 
 iron ore resources and stimulated its economy. As a consequence the Liberian market 
 is becoming increasingly important in its long-term potential. 
 
 These developments have not escaped the attention of businessmen of other countries 
 who have been attracted to Liberia in recent years. Competition is increasing. Even so, 
 the U.S. exporter is in a strong position because U.S. products are well known and 
 popular throughout the country. 
 
 This market study was prepared by John R. Hokanson under the direction of Bernard 
 Blankenheimer, Director. Africa Division, Bureau of International Commerce. It is 
 based to a large extent on information gathered by Mr. Hokanson during a recent visit 
 to Liberia and on numerous official and unofficial publications and U.S. embassy 
 reports and despatches. 
 
 The manuscript benefited from careful review and assistance by staff members of 
 the Embassy at Monrovia: Miss Nancy V. Rawls. Commercial Attache, who provided 
 guidance and assistance through all stages of the study; Warren Silver, Counselor for 
 Economic Affairs; Neil Witting, Agricultural Attache; and Dr. E. C. Fei of the U.S. 
 Agency for International Development mission in Liberia. 
 
 EUGENE M. BRADERMAN 
 Director, Bureau of International Commerce 
 
 February 1965 
 
 11 
 
Contents 
 
 Page 
 
 Foreword '■ 
 
 CHAPTERS 
 
 1. The Market in Liberia— A View Overall — 2 
 
 2. Liberian Trade and Market Factors 6 
 
 Patterns and Trends 6 
 
 Market Factors S 
 
 Economic Development > 
 
 United States Aid 10 
 
 Other Aid 11 
 
 3. The Market lor Selected Types ol Goods - 12 
 
 Consumption Goods 1* 
 
 Capital and Producers Goods 16 
 
 4. Distribution IS 
 
 Distributors IS 
 
 Transportation IS 
 
 Finance IS 
 
 Trade Regulations 10 
 
 Exchange Regulations II 
 
 Government Representation 11 
 
 Advertising 12 
 
 Marketing Techniques 12 
 
 Packaging 23 
 
 Marketing Aids 24 
 
 Businessmen's Organizations 25 
 
 5. Basic Data 26 
 
 Geography 26 
 
 Natural Resources -~ 26 
 
 Agriculture 27 
 
 Industry 29 
 
 APPENDIXES 
 
 A. Notes for Business Travelers 30 
 
 Hotel Accommodations— Local Transportation— Communications— Business Hours— Holidays- 
 Clothing— Electricity— Passports and Visas— U. S. Commercial Representation. 
 
 B. Bibliography 31 
 
 in 
 
TABLES 
 
 Page 
 
 1. Government Receipts and Expenditures, 1940, 1950, 1958-64 32 
 
 2. Exports by Commodity, 1953-62 32 
 
 3. Importst by Commodity Classification, 1953-62 32 
 
 4. Exports, by Country of Destination, 1953-62 33 
 
 5. Imports, by Country of Origin, 1953-62 33 
 
 6. Manpower Composition of Population, 1962 34 
 
 7. Domestic and National Income and Expenditure, 1960 35 
 
 8. Imports of Selected Foodstuffs, by Major Suppliers, 1960-62 35 
 
 9. Imports of Selected Beverages and Tobacco, by Major Suppliers, 1960-62 36 
 
 10. Imports of Selected Clothing, Footwear, and Textiles, by Major Suppliers, 1960-62 36 
 
 11. Imports of Selected Chemicals, by Major Suppliers, 1960-62 36 
 
 12. Imports of Selected Electric Appliances and Household Utilities, by Major Suppliers, 1960-62 37 
 
 13. Imports of Selected Building Materials, by Major Suppliers, 1960-62 37 
 
 14. Imports of Selected Machinery and Transport Equipment, by Major Suppliers, 1960-62 38 
 
 15. Imports of Selected Miscellaneous and Electrical Equipment, by Major Suppliers, 1960-62 39 
 
 16. Estimates of Land Use in Liberia 39 
 
 17. Mineral Production, 1958-62 39 
 
 18. Agricultural Production, 1958-59 through 1962-63 and 1963-64 Forecast 39 
 
 MAPS 
 
 Location 1 
 
 Political 5 
 
 Highway System 28 
 
 Photographs used in this report are by courtesy of the U.S. Agency for International Development 
 and Intercontinental Hotels Corporation. 
 
 IV 
 

 ) /^.^ _^ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 i r-oyo^^f— 1 ! 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 / / Kolohuo Vo 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Si \ ' 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 /■ ?> S ' 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 SIERRA 
 
 
 o L ° 
 
 Liber 
 
 V/VLfTf ) 
 
 
 
 
 
 L E 
 
 ONE / .«/'' F.sebuY \ 
 
 o 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 /" > ^,/y/ 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 
 MflNO RIVER S 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 (Qr?V rO 
 
 
 / > x;;l, C 
 
 /-n - 
 
 i 
 
 °:y\ i 
 
 
 VW; C ; 
 
 / ^ *>'V vT* - 
 
 000, l.>, 
 
 ^.s^ 
 
 
 
 \ JV^ rV ^ 
 
 
 \ <J Tokpo.mo _, ' J B '" 
 \y- „/ \> pi- -''' Belle Kpomu s^c^ U 
 
 \\ ' / °" " OV*"" """" SuOkokoJr™\____ 
 
 Bo.loJ^ 
 
 A . 
 
 
 \ V 
 
 
 
 
 //- Mecca /l°"V-S 5 V'" m °""9'c'''°" 1 .r -p -£'^ Z ' e " 2u 
 
 , poioio y 
 
 go) >*^ 
 
 
 ^ Bono 1 
 SoQie, ,e i 
 
 3 j 
 
 
 
 Roberts cfV~^ \ ^^°<- fl 
 
 # y ? Ti _>r 
 
 
 
 
 
 IVORY 
 
 Port V^^^ ft , *•.,, 
 
 flKle »/ ( '1 ^^^Sololo 
 
 
 
 ^ / 
 
 
 
 ^^\ V T 
 
 1 / S 7 s / 
 
 f\ 
 
 
 
 
 
 Bfc, ASuehn // / >^* 
 
 \ 
 
 
 *s 
 
 
 
 MONROVIA^SC - . ^N^obeclslLld jr 
 
 c2 
 
 - <=2..ct 
 
 
 
 COAST 
 
 
 n O^_ = - ^ B ' ^\ FIRESTONE £f 
 
 
 
 
 
 ■ 
 
 
 Schiefel^n-*— ^^ \ PLANTATIONS £ 
 
 
 
 
 
 ) 
 
 
 ^""""-J^ ^s^l-c yjTCompound No 3 
 
 
 
 ^^** 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Tcb.eo ^ 
 
 
 \ 1 /v 
 
 
 
 
 • 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 
 
 
 y 's 
 
 ^^ 
 
 1> ■NjX-> 
 
 
 V BochononP*?' * s -», 
 
 
 
 /' 
 
 
 f ^0 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 V 
 / ^ 
 
 
 "* ^^ 
 
 "* ^ 
 
 
 // 
 
 
 
 O \. 
 
 ■% 
 
 ^ 
 
 ,/ 
 
 
 ? 
 
 LIBERIA \ 
 
 Roods X, 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 "•o " 
 
 CZJ 
 
 i ? 3 
 
 ^Worloke x> C* 
 
 "'*♦« ) 
 *' / 
 
 
 "»'" ■"■'■^" '""» -"»' c 
 
 
 
 ^W 
 
 C3 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 r »> iTp^ 
 
 
 
 
 ■> Torluke 
 
 
 - - Unprogr.mmed 
 
 siNoe 
 
 
 
 
 Comp K.ncjC)^ f ^>^ | 
 
 
 1 w 
 
 
 
 
 
 C? KOMOkJt ^ 
 
 o 
 
 Harbors 
 
 
 
 ^^D 
 
 
 V / 
 
 en 
 
 Airfields 1° 20 
 
 30 40 50 
 
 M,les 
 
 
 
 „ Piibol • 
 
 Airsinps 
 
 1 ' "' 
 
 o 
 
 Iron mines 
 
 
 
 
 
 Horper i ^^^ 
 
 APRIL 1963 
 
 Source: Map supplied courtesy of International Bank for Reconstruction and Development. 
 Note: Boundaries do not necessarily correspond to those recognized by the United States. 
 
Chapter 1 
 
 ■ 
 
 J_jiberia's economic growth has been striking. 
 Since 1950: 
 
 Gross domestic money income has increased sev- 
 eral times; 
 
 Government revenue has increased roughly ten 
 times; 
 
 And foreign trade has expanded enormously. 
 Impetus for this growth, particularly since 1959, 
 came mainly from the development of an iron mining 
 industry, at a cost of approximately $350 million. 
 International capital in large amounts was invested in 
 this field, attracted by the large reserves of high-grade 
 ore and by Liberia's traditional open door policy to- 
 ward foreign capital. Construction and other activity 
 were stimulated, boosting employment in the wage- 
 earning sector of the economy. 
 
 Economic growth also was stimulated by extensive 
 public expenditures on roads, schools, public buildings, 
 and utilities — services demanded by a modernizing 
 society. 1 
 
 While beneficial, this growth also caused strains 
 in sectors of the economy. Because of lagging com- 
 modity prices and unavoidable delays in getting iron 
 ore production underway, Government revenues from 
 taxes and profit sharing were lower than expected at 
 a time when obligations were multiplying. This placed 
 the Liberian Government in a financial squeeze. In 
 mid-1963 the Government initiated an austerity pro- 
 gram to restrict expenditures temporarily. The pro- 
 gram went into effect when most construction related 
 to iron mine development was just about completed, 
 and a slackening of economic activity resulted. During 
 much of 1963 and in 1964, therefore, attention was 
 directed to development planning and to attempts to 
 consolidate gains realized during the period of rapid 
 growth. 
 
 The Liberian economy may be expected to grow 
 moderately in the next few years under the stimulus 
 of public sector development projects and private in- 
 vestments on a smaller scale than in the recent past. 
 Governmental projects will be aimed mainly at con- 
 tinuing to build up the country's infrastructure by ex- 
 
 1 See table 1 for data on Government receipts and expendi- 
 tures, 1940, 1950, and 1958-64. 
 
paneling public utility services — electric power gen- 
 eration, communications, transportation, and the like 
 — and improving health and school facilities. Private 
 investment is expected to center in development of 
 timbering operations and perhaps in agricultural enter- 
 prises. Also, some investment in small manufacturing 
 is expected, and development of new mineral resources 
 is a continuing possibility. The Government may be 
 expected to carry on efforts to improve agricultural 
 productivity and to encourage private investment, par- 
 ticularly in small-scale industry. 
 
 Longer term prospects for economic growth remain 
 comparatively bright. The country has a good natural 
 resource base relative to population, and significant 
 areas — timber, for example — are virtually unexploited. 
 Although investment of the magnitude of that in iron 
 mining is unlikely, Liberia could achieve noticeable 
 gains if anticipated private investments materialize 
 and if public spending can be maintained at reason- 
 able levels. The expected large-scale production of iron 
 ore during the next few years should ease the Govern- 
 ment's financial plight, other things being equal, as 
 the Government shares in profits of the newer mining 
 enterprises. 
 
 The unprecedented economic growth had beneficial 
 effects on the market for many products. The devel- 
 opment of mining, for example, directly influenced 
 imports. During 1961 and 1962 so much machinery, 
 transport equipment, and manufactured goods were 
 imported to meet needs for construction of mine and 
 related facilities that Liberia for the first time experi- 
 enced sizable trade deficits. Trade data for 1963 are 
 not available. However, trade apparently was more 
 in balance in 1963 because exports of iron ore in- 
 creased and the demand for capital equipment mod- 
 erated as mine construction neared completion. 
 
 Trade is expected to remain stable or grow mod- 
 erately in the next few years. Exports of iron ore 
 should reach full potential. Natural rubber production 
 and exports are expected to increase slightly. Iron ore 
 and rubber are the country's largest exports. Timber 
 could begin to be a significant export within the next 
 5-10 years. 
 
 Imports of capital goods should be sizable as a re- 
 sult of planned public development expeditures and 
 private investment. However, imports of this type of 
 goods are not expected to approach the abnormally 
 high levels reached in 1961 or 1962. 
 
 Nearly all manufactured goods consumed are im- 
 ported. The demand for these imports should show- 
 fair improvement, particularly if the, hoped-for growth 
 of cash agriculture is realized and more of the popu- 
 
lation becomes firmly attached to the monetary econ- 
 omy. Construction of public projects and private 
 investment in industry and timber should also act to 
 stimulate consumer demand to the extent they increase 
 employment and wages. 
 
 U. S. businessmen should be cognizant of their ad- 
 vantages in the Liberian market. U. S. products are 
 well known and accepted as a result of the long-stand- 
 ing, close trade ties between the two nations; U.S. 
 currency is used as the official medium of exchange; 
 U.S. specifications and weights and measures are in 
 general use; and U.S. companies already in Liberia 
 create a comfortable atmosphere for U.S. businessmen. 
 
 In a broad sense, Liberia might be considered a 
 potential springboard to regional marketing. Its mar- 
 
 ket characteristics are similar to — though not identical 
 with — those existing in other countries in West Africa. 
 The free port at Monrovia — which allows goods to be 
 processed, manufactured, or stored in the area and 
 then shipped to other destinations without payment of 
 import duties — is a possible distribution center, al- 
 though it has not been much used. As area transporta- 
 tion and port facilities are improved this free-port 
 feature could become much more important. 
 
 A population of about 1 million with an income 
 under $200 a year per capita comprises the Liberian 
 market at present. Growth prospects are good, and the 
 future promises continuing opportunities for promo- 
 tion and exportation of a wide range of products and 
 services. 
 
 LOADING UP: A conveyor belt at the Free Port of Monrovia carries high-grade iron ore to waiting ships. 
 
Chapter 2 
 
 Liberian 
 
 and 
 
 Market 
 
 Factors 
 
 XlECENT trade figures reflect the extraordinary 
 growth of the economy. Iron ore has emerged recently 
 as the most important export, replacing natural rubber, 
 which was the backbone of the export economy for 
 years. In 1953 iron ore exports amounted to only 
 about $6 million, but in 1962 they amounted to more 
 than $32 million. Rubber exports, which were some 
 $21 million in 1953, increased to about $26 million by 
 1962. Iron ore is expected to comprise an increasing 
 share of the export total in the next few years as mines 
 beginning or about to enter production reach normal 
 levels of output (tables 2 and 3). 
 
 PATTERNS AND TRENDS 
 
 During the 1953-62 period diamonds became a siz- 
 able export, their value of trade increasing from less 
 than $500,000 to nearly $5 million. 
 
 Imports recorded a phenomenal increase during the 
 1953-62 period, as illustrated by the data in table 3. 
 The value of imports of nearly all categories of goods 
 rose, but the largest increases were in manufactured 
 goods, and in machinery and transport equipment, 
 much of which was used in the development of iron 
 mines. Increases in other categories resulted in large 
 part from demand created by the construction activity 
 associated with mine development. Also, the influx of 
 expatriate workers from Europe and the United States 
 drawn by the mining and construction industries un- 
 doubtedly strengthened demand for imported goods. 
 
 The pattern of Liberia's trade changed somewhat 
 during the 1953-62 period. The United States, although 
 it remained Liberia's most important trading partner 
 by a significant margin, lost ground both as a buyer 
 and as a supplier. Its share of Liberian exports 
 dropped from more than 80% in the mid-1950's to 
 about 45% in the early 1960's. This decline also 
 stemmed from the development of the iron ore indus- 
 try, which shipped a large share of its increased output 
 to Europe. The change in the export pattern is illus- 
 trated in table 4. 
 
 Imports from the United States increased from some 
 $13 million to $57 million (nearly 340 percent) from 
 1953 through 1962 (see table 5), largely because of 
 increased sales of machinery, transport equipment, and 
 manufactured goods generated by large U.S. invest- 
 ments. However, the U.S. share of total imports de- 
 
 CARGO SWINGS TO SHORE: Ship unloads in the Free Port of 
 Monrovia, one of the better ports in West Africa. 
 
«. ■ - - 
 
 
 ' 
 
 >.< *i 
 
 - *-^*~ 
 
 p* 
 
 ■ 
 
 
 ^PnBmbHHH^HMH^H 
 
 
 mJ 
 
 
 ■■■m m 
 
 #»'• i 
 
 M«J^|^| 
 
 M 
 
 . BR 
 
 mm 
 
 
 
 
 \IlJ l /if 
 
 t 
 
 X 
 
 v^> 
 
 y 
 
 <3k 
 
 F 
 
 
 Ik iffciii'-- 
 
clined somewhat during the period, from roughly 67 
 percent to 43 percent. Much of this decline may be 
 attributed to increased investments in Liberia by other 
 countries — notably West Germany and Sweden — which 
 resulted in large imports from the home countries. 
 Some part of the decline was due to increased sales by 
 other industrial nations, such as Italy, Japan, and Den- 
 mark. Although none of those nations alone is a major 
 supplier, their aggregate share increased at the expense 
 of more traditional trading partners. 
 
 MARKET FACTORS 
 
 The most direct determinants of the market for con- 
 sumption goods in Liberia, as elsewhere, are population 
 and income. These also are indirectly related to de- 
 mand for production goods. The producer's goods 
 market is largely dependent on the country's economic 
 development efforts, which in turn depend to a great 
 extent on the financial aid provided by foreign govern- 
 ments and the inflow of private foreign investments 
 in industry. 
 
 Information on these key market factors is somewhat 
 sketchy, particularly that on population and income. 
 
 Liberia's population is estimated at somewhat more 
 than 1 million persons, a figure expected to be con- 
 firmed by data from a recent census, not yet released. 
 A preliminary sampling of this data indicates certain 
 population characteristics. Data in table 6 are based 
 on this sampling. 
 
 Liberia's urban population is heaviest along the 
 coast and near main interior roads. Monrovia, the 
 country's capital, commercial center, and chief seaport, 
 has a population estimated at 80,000 persons. Other 
 port cities — Buchanan. Harper, and Greenville — are 
 population centers, although much smaller than Mon- 
 rovia. Other cities are located on or near the large 
 rubber growing and iron mining concessions. Interior 
 towns of moderate size include Gbarnga, Ganta, Ka- 
 kata. Sanniquellie. Suakoko, and Voinjama. which are 
 located along or near main roads. 
 
 The majority of Liberia's inhabitants belong to the 
 country's nearly 30 tribes. However, an estimated 
 45.000 are descendants of the freed slaves who came as 
 immigrants from the United States and established the 
 nation. More than 20,000 aliens are reported to be 
 living in Liberia, about half of them non-African. 
 
 Liberia has a young population; approximately 30%, 
 of all inhabitants are under 10 years of age, according 
 to preliminary census data. 
 
 The total labor force is estimated at 300,000 persons, 
 most of whom are outside the monetary economy. 
 
 Roughly 42 r /{ of all males and some 22% of all fe- 
 males are employed or seeking employment. An esti- 
 mated 749( of the total labor force is engaged in agri- 
 culture and some 6% in other primary production — 
 mining, hunting, and fishing. Another 6' ,< is employed 
 in manufacturing and construction, while the remain- 
 ing 14% is employed in service occupations, including 
 commerce, finance, Government, transportation, and 
 communications. 
 
 Less than one-third of the labor force is employed 
 full time in the monetary economy. Of these, nearly 
 half work at foreign concession sites. Roughly 5,000 
 to 6,000 are non-Africans. They hold a significant 
 share of the salaried non-Government positions. 
 
 Most Liberians with professional and technical train- 
 ing work for the Government. 
 
 Labor is imperfectly distributed among sectors of 
 the monetary economy. Some places — notably around 
 the mines — have occasional labor surpluses, while agri- 
 cultural enterprises are often in need of additional 
 workers. 
 
 The national income schedule in table 7 offers a very 
 rough benchmark for estimating aggregate income, 
 but recent projections from these data vary widely. 
 Thus, for 1963, estimates of gross national product 
 ranged from approximately $100 million to about $185 
 million. Because suitable statistical data are lacking, 
 differing assumptions apparently were made on the 
 behavior of various income components. 
 
 National income statistics indicate that average per 
 capita income ranges somewhere between $100 and 
 $185 a year, but these statistics are inadequate and 
 present an unrealistic picture. Actually, most Liberians 
 are largely outside the monetary economy and their 
 money earnings result from occasional sales of agri- 
 cultural produce, so their average per capita income 
 probably would amount to some $40 to $60 a year. 
 The minority of the population that work for wages 
 or that receive business or property income might 
 receive yearly incomes of several hundred dollars. A 
 small group of wealthy Liberians and many expatriates 
 have incomes comparable to those of their counter- 
 parts in Europe or North America. 
 
 The following schedule of wage rates, while not com- 
 prehensive, appears to be fairly representative for 
 workers in the monetary economy: 
 
 Rubber plantations — Minimum wage is 64 cents a 
 day with an additional 15% to 25% in fringe bene- 
 fits, such as subsidized food, free medical treatment, 
 housing, and schools. 
 
FREE PORT OF MONROVIA: One of the world's free ports is located at Monrovia, Liberia, on the Atlantic Ocean. 
 
 Mining — Minimum wages for unskilled labor are 
 15 cents an hour. The wages for semiskilled labor 
 generally range from 25 to 35 cents an hour. Wages 
 for skilled workers normally are 35 to 50 cents an 
 hour. Most mining concerns also provide some 
 fringe benefits similar to those provided by rubber 
 concessionaires. 
 
 Construction — The minimum wage for unskilled 
 construction workers is 15 cents an hour. Few, if 
 any, fringe benefits are provided normally. 
 
 Commerce and banking — Representative monthly 
 salaries in commercial and banking enterprises are: 
 Messenger, $25; clerk, $60 to $90; typist, $75 to 
 $80; stenographer, $150 to $180; teller, 100 to 120; 
 
 and department head, 200 to $250. Workers in these 
 enterprises generally receive little in the way of 
 fringe benefits. 
 
 Government — Representative monthly salaries in 
 Government service are: Messenger, $25; typist, $75 
 to $125; professional civil servants, $250 to $350; 
 department directors and secretaries, $500. 
 
 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 
 
 Liberia is only beginning to formulate a compre- 
 hensive, long-range program for economic develop- 
 ment. The task of devising the development strategy 
 is a primary function of the National Planning Agency 
 
— NPA which was established in 1962. This agency's 
 Office of National Planning — ONP is now engaged in 
 drafting a 5-year development plan which will mark 
 the first stage of the long-range effort. The NPA is 
 also charged with coordinating the efforts of Liberian 
 Government agencies concerned with various aspects 
 of economic development. Technical assistance has 
 been supplied to the NPA by several institutions, in- 
 cluding the United Nations and Klein and Saks, a 
 private U.S. consulting firm, under contract to help 
 the planning agency. 
 
 The first phase of the long-range development pro- 
 gram will probably be characterized by intensive in- 
 vestment in infrastructure, agriculture, agricultural 
 processing industries, and education. It is expected 
 that investment in the public sector will be compara- 
 tively heavy, and attempts will be made to direct 
 Government resources — to the extent possible within 
 the framework of the fiscal austerity program — into 
 capital expenditures. 
 
 The austerity program limits flexibility in public 
 finance. Debt service will require one-fourth of Gov- 
 ernment revenues for the next 3 to 5 years. Conse- 
 quently, the success of the development program will 
 require external aid in the form of long-term loans 
 from foreign governments and international institu- 
 tions. Several such loans for infrastructure projects 
 have been arranged. 
 
 The first 5-year plan is expected to spell out in detail 
 the priorities and targets for achieving the first phase 
 of development. It will probably incorporate develop- 
 ment projects now scheduled or underway, and point 
 the direction for future undertakings. 
 
 Central to the plan will be continuation of Operation 
 Production, a scheme announced late in 1963 by Presi- 
 dent William V. S. Tubman, aimed at encouraging 
 Liberians to grow food crops — particularly rice — so 
 that the country will be self-sufficient in food supplies. 
 
 In emphasizing increased agricultural production, 
 the Government is not overlooking the need for con- 
 tinued industrial development. Liberia is largely de- 
 pendent on private investment capital for its industrial 
 development. The Government commitment to private 
 enterprise is reflected in its open door policy toward 
 foreign investment and in the fact that the Government 
 generally has not invested in industrial projects other 
 than such industrial infrastructure developments as 
 iron mines, an airline, and a shipping venture. 
 
 The Liberian Development Corportation — LDC, an 
 independent Government-owned corporation, has the 
 primary responsibility for bringing about industrial 
 development by attracting foreign investment and by 
 
 aiding Liberian industrial enterprises. It works closely 
 with the NPA. The U.S. Agency for International 
 Development — AID assists LDC by financing the serv- 
 ices of Checci and Co. (a private U.S. consulting 
 organization ) , which provides LDC with a technical 
 staff. The Development Corporation considers the 
 feasibility of possible investment projects and offers 
 technical and other assistance to prospective investors 
 as well as to industrial firms already in Liberia. The 
 LDC also helps administer Liberia's investment incen- 
 tive program, which includes liberal tax and tariff 
 relief, low-rent industrial land, and, where necessary 
 and desirable, tariff protection for infant industries. 
 
 The Government has taken several other steps to 
 attract and assist private investors. It is completing 
 plans for the Liberian Development Bank, which has 
 support from several foreign financial institutions, and 
 is to begin operations in 1965. Also, work is proceed- 
 ing on the formulation of an investment code, and its 
 adoption is expected soon. 
 
 A major obstacle to the creation of a viable indus- 
 trial base in Liberia is the small market. To enlarge 
 the potential market and so increase the feasibility of 
 certain industrial projects, President Tubman early in 
 1964 proposed the establishment of a free trade area 
 among Liberia and its closest neighbors — Sierra Leone, 
 Guinea, and the Ivory Coast. Negotiations aimed 
 toward the establishment of this combination were 
 begun in August 1964. As presently envisioned, the 
 regional grouping would allow goods manufactured 
 in one of the countries to be shipped freely into all of 
 the others, thus creating a market capable of support- 
 ing industries that none of the countries could support 
 individually. 
 
 Coordination and improvement of transportation 
 among the four countries appears to be essential in any 
 scheme for regional development. Present overland 
 routes between the countries would probably need 
 extensive improvement so that high transportation 
 costs would not erase many of the benefits of the free- 
 trade system. 
 
 UNITED STATES AID 
 
 The United States is and has been the leading donor 
 of foreign aid to Liberia. The first major achievement 
 of its assistance was construction of the Free Port of 
 Monrovia in 1948 under a Lend Lease agreement. 
 During the 1950's and early 1960's, U.S. aid centered 
 on grants for technical assistance, education, and com- 
 munity development. In addition, the Export-Import 
 Bank of Washington made loans for road building and 
 development of public utilities. 
 
 10 
 
In recent years, the Agency for International Devel- 
 opment — AID has extended large, long-term loans to 
 Liberia to finance specific projects, such as the loan of 
 $24.3 million toward construction of a $27-million 
 hydroelectric generating system on the St. Paul River 
 about 15 miles from Monrovia. This project, scheduled 
 for completion about 1966, is to have an initial gen- 
 erating capacity of 30,000 kw. and an eventual output 
 of 90,000 kw. It will carry power over some 150 miles 
 of transmission line to areas not now served. AID has 
 also extended a loan covering the major cost of con- 
 struction of a $6-miIlion medical center at Monrovia. 
 The center will incorporate a new medical arts train- 
 ing facility and an existing maternity center, in addi- 
 tion to a new general hospital. A major function of 
 the center will be to train subprofessional medical per- 
 sonnel to assist the country's doctors in meeting the 
 medical needs of the population. 
 
 Other AID assistance for projects in Monrovia are 
 a loan of $1.7 million toward a new junior-senior high 
 school and authorization of $350,000 for construction 
 of an elementary school and $7 million for use in 
 construction of a modern water supply system. 
 
 In addition to loans, AID is providing grants for con- 
 struction of schools in rural areas and for an additional 
 elementary school in Monrovia. 
 
 AID grant support is also being used for rural area 
 development programs, farm-to-market access roads, 
 
 and technical assistance. The technical assistance goes 
 to several Government agencies and functions, includ- 
 ing the Liberian Development Corporation, Bureau of 
 Statistics, National Planning Agency, Department of 
 Education, and Department of Public Works and 
 Utilities. 
 
 Efforts are also underway to improve the Public 
 Law 480 program in Liberia to enable generation of 
 development funds from the proceeds accruing there 
 from the distribution of U.S. surplus agricultural 
 commodities. 
 
 OTHER AID 
 
 A number of governments and international agen- 
 cies are providing aid in the form of loans and tech- 
 nical assistance. The West German Government is 
 aiding the road construction program with an $8.5- 
 million loan for roads which will open up hitherto 
 inaccessible sections of the country. An International 
 Bank for Reconstruction and Development loan of 
 some $3.3 million is also being used for road construc- 
 tion and maintenance. Loans to aid in debt servicing 
 have been received from the International Monetary 
 Fund. 
 
 In addition, the United Nations, Israel, Taiwan, West 
 Germany, Sweden, France, the United Kingdom, Switz- 
 erland, and Italy have provided aid, technical assist- 
 ance, and other services. 
 
 J, i m£ 
 
 
 wmb 
 
 'J$ *i 
 
 '/r-jf 
 
 
 • ■*■ 
 'a *■ 
 
 TIERS OF RICH IRON ORE: Liberia joins the ranks of world producers of this product. Iron ore is its major export. 
 
 11 
 
Chapter 3 
 
 J\ moderate rise is expected in the market for con- 
 sumption goods in Liberia in the next few years. Eco- 
 nomic development is expected to continue, and an 
 increasing number of Liberians will be drawn into the 
 monetary economy. 
 
 Market 
 
 Many Liberians have more discretion in the spend- 
 ing of their small cash incomes than might be expected. 
 Most consumers in the lower and middle economic 
 levels live in housing which they construct for the most 
 part from native materials. Their diets consist largely 
 of traditional foods, such as rice, yams, piassava, and 
 the like. Consequently, they may opt to spend large 
 proportions of any money incomes for processed or 
 manufactured items. 
 
 Liberian consumers may be divided into three gen- 
 eral groups. The first category comprises the two- 
 thirds of the total population whose income and con- 
 sumption levels are low. This group is composed of 
 those tribal elements who are attached to the monetary 
 economy only marginally — if at all — by virtue of in- 
 come received from occasional sales of agricultural 
 commodities; and of unskilled workers who are not 
 regularly employed in the monetary sector. 
 
 A second consumer category is composed largely of 
 regularly employed workers and administrative em- 
 ployees in private business, and workers in government. 
 Individuals in this group have somewhat higher aver- 
 age incomes and stronger commitments to the mone- 
 tary economy than those in the first group. 
 
 The third group, at the top of the income scale, con- 
 sists of a few thousand well-to-do Liberians plus most 
 of the expatriate community. Their consumption hab- 
 its are roughly comparable to those of persons with 
 comfortable incomes in industrialized countries. 
 
 The two lower income groups have similar consump- 
 tion patterns, but differ in geographical location and 
 in level of per capita income. The lowest income group 
 is predominately rural, whde the middle-income work- 
 ers are found largely in urban areas. The urban mid- 
 dle-income group, with its greater spending discretion, 
 tends to emulate the actions of the highest income 
 consumers. 
 
 Members of the two lower income categories are 
 major purchasers of trade commodities such as cotton 
 piece goods, simple handtools, cooking utensils, lan- 
 terns, and the canned and processed foods that provide 
 some diet variety. Their housing is of similar quality. 
 
 Both the lower and middle income groups consume 
 most of their money incomes. Purchased items other 
 than some basic necessities are largely imported. Mod- 
 ern dress is usually among the first purchases made 
 from discretionary income. Simple household furni- 
 ture is often bought next, then one or more prestige 
 items, such a transistor radio or watch. After basic 
 
 needs have been minimally satisfied, additional modern 
 dress is generally the most important purchase. Hous- 
 ing is upgraded very slowly. Diets normally are not 
 changed radically; however, as incomes rise, more of 
 the imported prepared foods are purchased. 
 
 The highest income group purchases most of the 
 more sophisticated processed foods, the quality cloth- 
 ing, household appliances, stylish furniture, and gadg- 
 ets. Although small in number, these consumers 
 command a very large share of the total consumer 
 purchasing power, and they act as the style leaders and 
 innovators for the middle-income group. 
 
 As a general rule, members of all three consumer 
 groups are conscious of quality. The high-income 
 educated consumer is familiar with product charac- 
 teristics, and quality, along with prestige value, seems 
 quite important in influencing buying decisions. The 
 middle-income consumer tends to value brand reputa- 
 tion over quality or price when purchasing products 
 which are perceived to add prestige to the user. Con- 
 
 12 
 
sumers in both the middle and lower income groups 
 place great emphasis on quality — they desire the best 
 possible product it is in their limited ability to buy. 
 They are often able to judge quality objectively, espe- 
 cially of staple items, such as footwear or household 
 utensils, the useful life of which may vary widely 
 according to quality. Although price is most impor- 
 tant, these consumers are extremely loyal to brands 
 that please them. A brand with a reputation for high 
 quality is often able to outsell brands that may cost 
 considerably less. Brand loyalty and the inherent con- 
 servatism of many Liberian consumers often make the 
 introduction of new products difficult. However, brand 
 loyalty can be an asset to the trader and may be well 
 worth the time and money required to establish it. 
 
 Although primarily an agricultural nation. Liberia 
 imports many foods (see table 8). 
 
 The largest single import commodity, by value, is 
 rice. Rice imports have tended to increase in recent 
 years as domestic production failed to keep pace with 
 demand. Programs aimed at making the country self 
 sufficient in rice are being given high priority by the 
 Government and. if successful, could cut requirements 
 for rice imports. 
 
 U.S. goods have accounted recently for about half 
 of Liberia's food imports, mainly because of large rice 
 sales. The United States also supplies wheat flour, 
 meats, and processed fruits and vegetables. The Nether- 
 lands, with 15% of the market for imported foods, is 
 
 the next largest supplier. West Germany, the United 
 Kingdom, Denmark, and Italy each supply 5%. 
 
 Imports of rice, fresh vegetables, poultry, and fish 
 products may decline owing to agricultural programs, 
 but the potential market for most processed foods ap- 
 pears good. It seems probable that the level of demand 
 for processed foods when supported by the high-income 
 elements of society will be maintained. And, given a 
 moderate rate of economic growth, purchases by con- 
 sumers in the lower economic levels will probably 
 
 increase as a greater proportion of the population be- 
 comes more closely involved in the monetary economy. 
 
 Rice, flour, canned meats and fish, tomato sauce, 
 bouillon cubes, milk (canned, dried, or reconstituted), 
 cookies, crackers, and similar products are major sell- 
 ing items in the principal retail outlets — the general 
 store and market women. These products — except for 
 rice — are used as supplements to the traditional Li- 
 berian diet of cassava, yams, fresh fish, and limited 
 amounts of locally butchered meat and poultry. Rice 
 is a diet staple in itself. 
 
 Canned soups, canned meats, flour, cake mixes, and 
 chicken parts appear to sell well in the new super- 
 markets that have been established recently in Mon- 
 rovia. Frozen foods are prominently displayed, al- 
 though their potential is somewhat limited because rela- 
 tively few homes are equipped with refrigerators. 
 Canned fruits and vegetables are staple items in steady 
 demand. Fresh vegetables would sell extremely well if 
 they could be delivered in quantity at reasonable prices 
 without high rates of spoilage. Markets have difficulty 
 in maintaining stocks of these garden crops. 
 
 Price is an important factor in food sales. Mer- 
 chants report that unless brand consciousness is ex- 
 tremely strong, preferences will break down in the face 
 of significant price differentials. Supermarket man- 
 agers report that U.S. goods are preferred for quality 
 and attractiveness of packaging; however, consumers 
 will not pay premium prices for staples that are com- 
 parable, but cheaper, in other brands. 
 
 Imports of alcoholic beverages have increased re- 
 cently, as can be seen in table 9. This is one important 
 area in which U.S. products have only a tiny fraction 
 of the market. European liquors, particularly certain 
 brands of gin and scotch, appear well entrenched, but 
 strong promotional efforts by U.S. firms might be able 
 to overcome at least part of this lead. Wines, which 
 are only beginning to be consumed in quantity, might 
 be a reasonably good sales prospect. 
 
 Several bottling plants produce a variety of soft 
 drinks in Liberia, so the market for this type of bev- 
 erage is limited to a few specialty types. 
 
 Beer is produced, but the industry is young, and 
 significant quantities are imported. A 1963 protective 
 tariff on beer reportedly reduced imports substantially. 
 
 13 
 
The United States holds the major share of the 
 Liberian market for tobacco products. U.S. cigarettes 
 are best sellers by a wide margin. 
 
 Clothing and textiles are the next largest category 
 of consumer goods imports. Much of the demand, as 
 can be seen from table 10. is for cotton piece goods. 
 The market for readymade clothing has grown rapidly. 
 
 The brightly colored cotton prints for the traditional 
 robes and dresses of the Liberians are imported mainly 
 from the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. Sig- 
 nificant amounts of cotton textiles are imported from 
 the United States. 
 
 Men have adopted Western styles of clothing, al- 
 though many still wear the traditional robes. Women, 
 except for the members of the wealthiest group, gen- 
 erally wear dresses made from the colorful prints. 
 
 In the market for readymade clothing, U.S. products 
 and styles are pace setters. Moderately priced men's 
 suits, shirts, and sportswear are in steady demand and 
 appear to have a good potential. Wash-and-wear styles 
 in newer fabrics appear to have very good prospects 
 generally, but especially for men. The market for 
 women's clothing also seems to be expanding. 
 
 A few clothing specialty shops have been established 
 in recent years, but most clothing is still distributed by 
 general merchants. 
 
 As in other parts of West Africa, children's wear is 
 in brisk demand. Most urban school-age children are 
 dressed in modern styles even though their parents 
 may wear traditional clothing. 
 
 The market for leather footwear is steady and may 
 expand. A new factory producing a variety of plastic, 
 rubber, and canvas shoes will probably absorb a large 
 share of the present market for nonleather footwear. 
 
 There is an active and growing market for patent 
 medicines, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, cleansers, and 
 similar products. See table 11. Dietary deficiencies 
 and imbalances are common and engender widespread 
 use of tonic preparations and laxatives. The pervalence 
 of diseases makes necessary the use of antibiotics, anti- 
 septics, and antimalarial drugs. 
 
 Most drugs, patent medicines, and pharmaceuticals 
 are imported from Europe, mainly from the United 
 Kingdom and West Germany. Since many of the drugs 
 are made in the plants of large international firms, 
 brand names familiar to Americans are often displayed. 
 
 As medical facilities in Liberia are improved and 
 subprofessional medical personnel are trained, the de- 
 mand for drugs may increase. 
 
 Use of cosmetic preparations is fairly widespread, 
 at least in urban centers. Here, again, most of the 
 imports are from Europe. Since most patent cosmetics 
 are luxury items, demand varies with income. 
 
 Soaps and detergents of all kinds sell well in the 
 consumer market. They command great brand loy- 
 alty; one familiar brand name is almost a synonym 
 for all detergents. Again, most imports of these items 
 are produced in European plants of internationally 
 known firms. 
 
 EASY DOES IT: Mechanic rolls large wheel into place in this heavy equipment repair shop in Liberia. 
 
 14 
 
FURNITURE DISPLAY ROOM: Modern furniture of this type is becoming more popular in Liberia. 
 
 Scheduled improvements in electric power supplies 
 and domestic water and sewage systems should have a 
 beneficial effect on the demand in urban areas for 
 consumer durables such as household refrigerators, 
 stoves, air conditioners and other sophisticated appli- 
 ances. However, the market will still be limited to a 
 comparatively small segment of the population with 
 enough money to buy this equipment. Imports of 
 selected electrical equipment and household appliances 
 in recent years are shown in table 12. 
 
 Because of Liberia's climate, air-conditioning and 
 refrigeration equipment is particularly desirable. Air 
 conditioners presently are in good demand and can be 
 expected to continue popular as the economy grows. 
 U.S. products are the acknowledged leaders. 
 
 There should be a fair market in other household 
 appliances, such as refrigerators and stoves, for U.S. 
 products that can face the stiff price competition from 
 European firms. 
 
 If recent trends continue, radios and record players 
 will command a good market. Radios, particularly 
 transistor types with shortwave bands, have been best- 
 selling durable items in late years. However, few U.S. 
 radios and phonographs are bought. The market for 
 radios has been dominated by well-designed, reason- 
 ably priced German, Japanese, and Dutch types. To 
 improve their position in this market, U.S. radios must 
 compete in both design and price. 
 
 Television sets might become a significant sales 
 item. Liberia's first television station was opened in 
 
 early 1964. A British firm now has a monopoly on 
 imports of TV sets. 
 
 In the traditional market, consumer durables, such 
 as pots and pans of iron and enamelware, buckets, 
 lanterns, machetes, and similar small hardware items, 
 are chief components of trade. These are supplied 
 mainly by European countries, but the United States 
 has a moderate share of the market. If small industrial 
 enterprises to manufacture enamelware and buckets 
 are established as planned, this market may be cut. 
 
 Furniture appears to have greater market potential 
 than most other lines of consumer durable goods. 
 Liberians becoming established in the monetary econ- 
 omy quite often purchase simple, basic items of furni- 
 ture, such as beds, tables, and chairs, as soon as they 
 become financially able, acquiring more elaborate fur- 
 niture and fixtures as they move up the economic 
 ladder. Requirements for furniture are met by both 
 domestic production and imports, the domestic items 
 filling a significant part of the furniture needs of the 
 lowest economic classes. The needs of the middle class 
 are met by both domestic and imported items, while 
 the needs of the upper classes are met mostly by im- 
 ports. Some concessionaires have shops for construc- 
 tion of furniture to meet part of their sales. 
 
 Merchants report that there is a steady market for 
 beds, particularly types that can be sold for $50 or less. 
 Chairs which could retail at $5-$7 could also be sold 
 readily. Much of the stylish furniture sold in Mon- 
 rovia is imported from Europe. Mostly of the Scandi- 
 
 15 
 
L1BERIAN MECHANICS: A gift for machine work can make use of precision methods and tools. 
 
 navian modern type, it is often designed so that it can 
 be imported in dismantled form and assembled at the 
 point of destination, thus reducing shipping and pack- 
 ing costs as well as damage in transit. The only sig- 
 nificant sales of U.S. furniture at present are made to 
 concessionaires and to the highest-income consumers. 
 
 CAPITAL AND PRODUCERS GOODS 
 
 The demand for capital and producers goods will be 
 determined very largely by the success of Liberia's 
 economic development program. Government projects 
 will probably absorb a major share of these types of 
 goods in the immediate and medium-term future. Im- 
 ports are not likely to reach the abnormally high levels 
 of recent years when private development of iron mines 
 was the main market force. 
 
 Private-sector imports of capital and producers 
 goods will likely be relatively small. Replacement and 
 purchases by established concessionaires will account 
 for significant proportions of the total private demand, 
 as will impending investment in timber and in indus- 
 tries such as an oil refinery. 
 
 The demand for mining and construction machinery 
 is almost certain to decline soon from the peak reached 
 recently when the new iron ore mines were being 
 equipped. However, development projects and new 
 timber ventures will probably require some heavy 
 
 equipment. Prospects for sales of spare parts and 
 replacement equipment should be fairly good. 
 
 As the data in table 13 show, building materials 
 have been an important component of Liberia's im- 
 ports. A good demand for many types of these mate- 
 rials is expected for the next few years. 
 
 Planned development projects will require signifi- 
 cant amounts of basic building materials, such as 
 cement, structural steel, and reinforcement rods. Pipe 
 for water and sewage systems also will be needed. 
 Demand for building components, such as roofing 
 sheets, wallboard, plywood, and building and plumbing 
 fixtures, may be sluggish. However, as utilities serv- 
 ices improve, demand for plumbing and electrical fix- 
 tures should increase. 
 
 A recently established local paint factory may pre- 
 empt the market for paints and allied finishes. 
 
 Prefabricated buildings appear to have potential, 
 although the market has been irregular. 
 
 U.S. suppliers face difficulties in marketing some 
 types of building materials — cement, steel rods, zinc- 
 coated roofing sheets, to name a few — because of large 
 differentials in landed cost between U.S. and European 
 products. 
 
 Long-range agricultural development should stimu- 
 late the present small market for agricultural machin- 
 ery and equipment, much of which now consists of 
 hand implements — hoes, shovels, machetes, axes. Some 
 power machinery is sold, mostly to large plantations. 
 
 16 
 
Government agricultural programs and availability 
 of agricultural credit will to a large extent determine 
 the outlook for agricultural machinery and equipment. 
 If the programs succeed and credit is more available, 
 demand may increase not only for implements, but also 
 for simple machine tools, milling and irrigation equip- 
 ment, seeds, and agricultural chemicals. 
 
 Transportation equipment will be in continuing de- 
 mand but, like construction machinery, at a much 
 lower level than in recent years. The demand for rail- 
 road equipment, in particular, will fall. Nearly all 
 transportation equipment needed for mining operations 
 is now in place. (For imports of selected machinery 
 and transport equipment in 1960-62, see table 14.) 
 
 For motor vehicles, the prospects are somewhat 
 brighter. The continued extension and improvement 
 of Liberia's road system should result in increased use 
 of most types of vehicles. 
 
 The market for private vehicles, while it may not 
 measure up to the levels of the recent past, should con- 
 tinue to be steady. Because of the adverse climate, the 
 useful life of vehicles is relatively short. 
 
 Small cars are the most popular vehicles in Liberia. 
 They are used almost exclusively in taxi fleets. Most 
 are imported from Europe, but a few from the United 
 States. More U.S. compacts apparently could be sold 
 if their prices were competitive and their servicing 
 were adequate. 
 
 U.S. suppliers have traditionally held a major share 
 of the prestige auto market. 
 
 Immediate demand for trucks and heavy vehicles 
 may not continue to equal that in recent years. How- 
 ever, the replacement market should be fairly good 
 because this equipment wears out quickly owing to 
 rather severe operating conditions. 
 
 From 1954 to 1963, the number of registered vehicles 
 increased from 1,450 to 10,170. The 1963 figure in- 
 cludes 4,837 private cars, 3,601 trucks, 198 buses, and 
 1,334 taxis. 
 
 Small hardware items — tools and containers — should 
 continue in fair demand and offer potential for U.S. 
 sales, although competition from other suppliers for 
 many of the items may be keen. 
 
 Prospects for electrical equipment appear fairly 
 bright, as the supply of electric power will be increased 
 when the hydroelectric project at Mt. Coffee near 
 Monrovia is completed. The market for commercial 
 air-conditioning equipment particularly should benefit. 
 
 Office equipment, including typewriters and account- 
 ing machines, could offer sales opportunities as busi- 
 nesses and Government enlarge and modernize their 
 recordkeeping systems. Imports have increased sig- 
 nificantly in recent years, although the volume is still 
 small, amounting to roughly $200,000 a year. 
 
 Sales of office furniture — most of which are made 
 to Government agencies — are likely to lag because of 
 Liberia's current austerity program. 
 
 Import data for 1960-62 for a representative group 
 of items in the miscellaneous category are shown in 
 table 15. 
 
 CAPITAL GOODS: librarian purchases of producers equipment depend on development of the nation's resources. 
 
 17 
 
Chapter 4 
 
 Distribution 
 
 T. 
 
 RADE AND DISTRIBUTION are predominantly in the 
 hands of large, mostly European-owned trading com- 
 panies and small Lebanese merchants. Several mining 
 and rubber concessionaires operate still other trading 
 organizations to serve their own needs. Relatively few 
 Liberians are engaged in trade. 
 
 The large trading firms sell both retail and wholesale 
 in varying degrees, but most of them have largely 
 dropped retailing functions. These big firms account 
 for much of the import trade. 
 
 There is some functional overlap among all classes 
 of traders in Liberia. The small or moderate-size 
 Lebanese retail merchants often import a minor portion 
 of their stocks on their own. They handle most of the 
 retail, nondurable, consumer goods trade. In many 
 cases, they also wholesale to other merchants with 
 whom they have close relationships, and to trading out- 
 lets or "market women" operating in the interior of 
 the country. 
 
 Liberia is still largely in the general store stage of 
 mercantile development, most traders at both the retail 
 and wholesale levels handling wide varieties of mer- 
 chandise. However, there is some trend toward spe- 
 cialized merchandise lines. Grocery supermarkets have 
 appeared, some stores are specializing largely in cloth- 
 ing or furniture, and large companies increasingly 
 concentrate on technical items. But department store 
 
 merchandising — the general store concept on a grand 
 scale — has not yet been developed. 
 
 Although a few firms specialize in specific types of 
 capital equipment, such as heavy construction machin- 
 ery and building materials, most capital goods are 
 marketed through the large expatriate trading com- 
 panies, which are often agents for a number of non- 
 competing lines. The recent trend in operations of 
 these firms has been to devote more of their facilities 
 to sales of capital equipment and consumer durables 
 and to withdraw from the general consumer goods 
 market. The size and financial strength of these com- 
 panies give them a comparative advantage where serv- 
 icing and stocking of parts are important, while their 
 high overhead costs make difficult their competing with 
 small importer-retailers in consumer marketing. 
 
 Competition among distributors at the retail level is 
 extremely keen. This situation tends to produce price 
 fluctuations and contributes to some market instability. 
 There is also free entry to and exit from the market, so 
 that patterns of distribution are usually changing as 
 some retail outlets close and others are established. 
 
 Profit margins fluctuate. It is not unusual for some 
 lines to sell at little or no profit and others at very high 
 markups. The smaller retailers sometimes sell at below 
 landed cost. This is done normally to pay off creditors 
 in the elaborate credit network used by these mer- 
 
 GOODS IN STORAGE: Merchandise sent to Liberia should be packe 
 
chants. Some of the larger trading companies indicate 
 that it is quite difficult to maintain profits on many 
 products unless they have exclusive agency rights. 
 
 TRANSPORTATION 
 
 The main seaport in Liberia is the Free Port of 
 Monrovia, built in 1948 under the U.S. Lend-Lease 
 Program, and purchased by the Liberian Government 
 in May 1964. It is operated by the Monrovia Port 
 Management Co., a private firm, which acts as the 
 agent of the Government. 
 
 An artificial harbor constructed by extending stone 
 breakwaters out from shore, Monrovia is regarded as 
 one of the better ports in West Africa. Facilities in- 
 clude some 2.000 feet of general cargo wharf, three 
 finger piers for loading iron ore, a tanker berth, and 
 warehouse and storage space, including oil and latex 
 storage tanks. Private cold storage facilities are also 
 operated in the port area. 
 
 Within the free port area, imported goods can be 
 processed and reshipped without paying Liberian cus- 
 toms duties. Although its use has increased in recent 
 years, the free port is still a minor part of the entire 
 port's total business. 
 
 A second major port has been constructed at Bu- 
 chanan by Liberian American Swedish Minerals Com- 
 pany, LAMCO, for shipment of iron ore. When all 
 facilities are completed, the port will also handle gen- 
 eral commercial cargo. 
 
 Small ports located at Harper and Greenville are 
 used mainly for export of agricultural products and 
 timber. 
 
 In 1952. Liberia had only 250 miles of road, of 
 which 12 miles were paved and 42 miles, laterite- 
 surfaced. By 1964, the country's road network 
 amounted to approximately 1,700 miles. 170 miles of 
 it paved and 1.000 miles, all-weather surfaced. These 
 
 n containers as sturdy as strong wooden boxes. 
 
 highways constitute a key component in Liberia's in- 
 land transportation system. 
 
 Even with the progress which should be achieved by 
 the end of this decade, Liberia's total road mileage 
 will be small compared with that of other West African 
 countries. 
 
 In many sections of Liberia's hinterland, which have 
 not yet been reached by rail and the expanding road 
 network, trails are the principal arteries for transpor- 
 tation. Inland waterways have steep gradients and 
 almost continuous rocky rapids, but they also provide 
 some means of communication and transportation. To 
 improve them beyond the coastal plains would appear 
 to be extremely difficult. 
 
 Three railways were in operation and one was under 
 construction at the end of 1963. All were constructed 
 in connection with iron mining operations. The lines 
 are not connected. Although they are now used for 
 hauling ore and freight for the mining concessionaires, 
 they might at some future date be used to carry general 
 freight and passengers. Some have been considered for 
 hauling timber from the interior to the coast for export. 
 
 Total rail mileage when all lines are completed will 
 be approximately 320 miles. 
 
 International air carriers serve Liberia through the 
 facilities of the international airport at Bobertsfield, 
 about 50 miles east of Monrovia. Originally built dur- 
 ing World War II, this field is now equipped to handle 
 large jet aircraft, and its facilities are being improved. 
 About a dozen U.S.. European, and African airlines 
 operate regularly scheduled flights through Roberts- 
 field. 
 
 A secondary airport, Spriggs-Payne Field, is located 
 at Monrovia. From this field. Liberian National Air- 
 ways operates flights to various points in Liberia, and 
 to Sierra Leone. 
 
 Air taxi service is available from Monrovia to many 
 small airfields and landing strips throughout Liberia. 
 
 FINANCE 
 
 Credit is widely employed in the Liberian economy. 
 Arrangements range from such usual commercial types 
 as open account, letters of credit, and short-term bank 
 financing to the complex family and personal credit 
 relationships common among small traders and 
 merchants. 
 
 The larger trading companies usually are not a 
 serious credit problem for the exporter. Most of them 
 are well established and are financially durable. Some 
 prefer not to purchase on credit. 
 
Credit should be extended to most medium-size and 
 small traders — both retail and wholesale — only after 
 prudent inevstigation. Most of these traders find it 
 necessary to use credit both in purchases and sales. 
 Many are worthwhile risks but some are not. Credit 
 collection is cumbersome and can be costly and time 
 consuming. Results are often disappointing. 
 
 There are no credit reference organizations in 
 Liberia; therefore, the banks operating in the country 
 offer the best available source of credit information. 
 Businessmen would be well advised, however, to sup- 
 plement these reports with others, such as the World 
 Trade Directory Reports of the U.S. Department of 
 Commerce. 
 
 Seven banks in Liberia offer a normal range of local 
 and international banking services. All are located in 
 Monrovia but at least two also operate branches or 
 mobile units in other localities — principally in the new 
 population centers near concession sites, or in the older 
 towns along the coast. Five of the seven banks are 
 owned wholly or partially by U.S. banks. 
 
 The seven major banks in Monrovia are: 
 
 The Bank of Monrovia. Ashmun Street, an affiliate 
 of the First National City Bank of New York. 
 
 The Bank of Liberia, corner of Carey and Warren 
 Streets, owned and operated by Liberians, an affiliate 
 
 FORKLIFT TRUCK: U.S. equipment moves quickly and efficiently these 
 loaded pallets in a Liberian port. 
 
 of the Chemical Bank of New York. 
 
 Tradevco (The Liberian Trading and Development 
 Bank, Limited), Ashmun Street, a subsidiary of the 
 Mediobanco of Milan and Bankers Trust Company of 
 New York. 
 
 The International Trust Company, Broad Street, an 
 associate of International Bank of Washington, D.C. 
 
 The Commercial Bank of Liberia, Broad Street, a 
 subsidiary of Intra Bank in Geneva, Switzerland. 
 
 The Chase Manhattan Bank of Liberia, Broad Street, 
 an affiliate of the Chase Manhattan Bank of New York. 
 
 The Union National Bank of Liberia, Randall Street, 
 an affiliate of the Union National Bank of Beirut. 
 
 The U.S. dollar is the basic monetary unit. All U.S. 
 coins and currency in denominations up to $20 circu- 
 late. Liberian coins ranging up to $1 in value are also 
 in circulation, and their volume has been expanded in 
 recent years. Establishment of a Liberian currency has 
 been proposed at various times but has not yet been 
 carried out. 
 
 TRADE REGULATIONS 
 
 Liberia imposes few trade regulations. There are no 
 import quotas. Special licenses are required only for 
 importation of firearms, ammunition, and pharmaceu- 
 ticals. Commercial imports of used clothing are pro- 
 hibited. Import duty rates are generally moderate and 
 are imposed primarily for revenue. Ad valorem duty 
 rates, with minor specific exceptions, range from to 
 40% of the c.i.f. value. In addition, a Public Highway 
 Fund levy of 5% of the goods' value is charged on all 
 goods, and a surcharge is imposed equal to 15% of 
 the duty paid, if any. 
 
 Some organizations and individuals — Government 
 agencies and charitable groups are examples — are ex- 
 empted from payment of import duties. Certain com- 
 modities and products also are exempted, or admitted 
 with nominal duties. These products include some 
 building materials, hand-operated industrial machin- 
 ery, scientific equipment, animal and poultry feeds, 
 fertilizers, and mining equipment. Foreign conces- 
 sionaires investing in development projects generally 
 have received exemptions from duties on imports re- 
 quired for the development and operation of their 
 projects. 
 
 Imports of certain products, such as alcoholic bev- 
 erages, tobacco products, perfumes, jewelry, cosmetics, 
 and watches are subject to a luxury tax. 
 
 Exports, except shipments of gold on which the Gov- 
 ernment has a monopoly, are not subject to controls. 
 
 20 
 
I F ' i fix rj* riw wiw wji w* riw r.v ri 
 
 BANKING DAY: Money changes hands in a new bank in Monrovia. U.S. currency is the official medium of exchange. 
 
 Export duties are applied to gold and other precious 
 metals, diamonds, other precious stones, rubber, and 
 ivory. Exports of agricultural produce, however, are 
 subject to quality controls. 
 
 Liberia has relinquished its membership in the Gen- 
 eral Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). 
 
 Documents required for shipment of goods to Li- 
 beria include a certified commercial invoice, a bill of 
 lading or air waybill, and a validated consular invoice 
 for which there is a charge of 1V2% OI the c.i.f. value 
 of the shipment. 
 
 There are no general labeling or marking regula- 
 tions. However, shippers should mark each package 
 distinctly and number each package to agree with the 
 packing list and consular invoice. 
 
 EXCHANGE REGULATIONS 
 
 Liberia is free from regulations on foreign exchange. 
 
 No controls limit the transfer of earnings, dividends, 
 or royalties. Capital can move freely into and out of 
 the country. 
 
 Liberia is a member of the International Monetary 
 Fund, World Bank, International Finance Corporation, 
 and International Development Association. 
 
 Government purchases of supplies and materials is 
 centralized to some extent. Requisitions are processed 
 through the Bureau of General Supplies, which is de- 
 signed to function as a purchasing and accounting 
 agency. However,- decisions on what materials are 
 needed often are made by the various Government 
 agencies concerned. 
 
 Cabinet agencies in the Liberian Government are 
 the departments of State, Treasury, Justice, Defense, 
 Posts and Telegraph, Internal Affairs, Commerce and 
 Industry, Agriculture, Education, and Public Works 
 and Utilities, the National Public Health Service, and 
 the National Planning Agency. 
 
 Other major Governmental bodies and organizations 
 include the Monrovia Power Authority, Liberian 
 National Airlines Corporation, Bureau of Natural Re- 
 sources and Surveys, Liberian Information Service, 
 and Liberian Development Corporation. 
 
 The Liberian Government has maintained a pur- 
 chasing agent — the Foreign Purchasing Agent for the 
 Government of Liberia, 100 West 42d Street, New 
 York. N. Y., 10036 — for several years. The presence 
 of a purchasing agent in the United States, and the 
 Liberian Government's use — as a general rule — of 
 U.S. specifications have given the U.S. manufacturer 
 or supplier some advantage in selling to the Govern- 
 ment. However, these factors do not eliminate the 
 desirability of some type of representation in Liberia 
 to maintain contact with agency officials who make 
 buying decisions. 
 
 GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATION 
 
 The Embassy of the Republic of Liberia in the 
 United States is located at 5201 Sixteenth Street, NW., 
 Washington, D.C. 20011. A Liberian Consulate Gen- 
 eral is located at 55 West 42d Street, New York, N. Y. 
 10036. Other Liberian consular offices are in Arcadia, 
 Calif.; Chicago, 111.; Detroit, Mich.; Houston, Tex.; 
 New Orleans. La.; Philadelphia, Pa.; and Port Arthur. 
 Tex. 
 
 21 
 
The Lnited States maintains an Embassy on United 
 Nations Drive in Monrovia. There are no U.S. con- 
 sular offices in Liberia. Consular services are per- 
 formed by the Embassy. 
 
 ADVERTISING 
 
 Advertising is growing in importance in Liberia, 
 although at the present stage of the country's market- 
 ing development its use is still limited. Traders regard 
 advertising campaigns desirable for introducing cer- 
 tain consumer items to the market. However, mer- 
 chants report that reliance on a single type of adver- 
 tising usually does not produce results. 
 
 Most advertising messages should be simple and 
 direct. UTse of display advertising with the product 
 prominently exhibited is often effective. Advertising 
 copy generally should minimize the technical charac- 
 teristics of the product in favor of appeals to prestige 
 or explanations of the product's benefits. 
 
 Advertising media include radio, newspapers, maga- 
 zines, special publications, movies, and billboards. 
 
 Radio station ELBC, owned by the Liberian Broad- 
 casting Corporation in Monrovia, is the only commer- 
 cial radio station in the country. It broadcasts with 
 both medium- and shortwave-transmitters and covers 
 all of Liberia and portions of Sierra Leone, Ivory 
 Coast, and Ghana. Rates are comparatively low, a 
 60-second spot announcement in prime time costing 
 about $7.70. The station claims that Liberia has 
 100.000 radio sets with 6 listeners per set. 
 
 Monrovia has three newspapers — two dailies, The 
 Listener Daily and the new Liberian Star; and a bi- 
 weekly, The Liberian Age. Each claims a circulation 
 of several thousand. There are a number of small 
 local papers — generally published by missionary or 
 other private groups — but the Monrovia papers are the 
 only ones generally used for advertising. Advertising 
 in the Monrovia newspapers costs approximately $1 
 per column inch. 
 
 Some of the leading U.S. and British magazines 
 enjoy a good circulation among the educated elements 
 of both Liberian society and the expatriate community. 
 The international editions of weekly news magazines 
 are popular. 
 
 Among the middle classes, pictorial magazines ap- 
 pear to have appeal. A few of these, such as Drum, 
 Flamingo, and the African edition of Ebony, are di- 
 rected to West Africa and contain articles of local 
 interest. However, foreign pictorials are prominently 
 displayed at most newsstands. 
 
 Until recently, several specialized journals were pub- 
 lished specifically for Liberia. These were directed at 
 
 businessmen and the influential elements of the com- 
 munity. Two of the more important journals, the 
 Liberian Chamber of Commerce Journal and the 
 Liberia Annual Review, recently went out of business, 
 leaving a void in the area of trade journalism. 
 
 Advertising in the four movies in Monrovia is com- 
 monly employed by trading concerns. 
 
 Use of billboard advertising is becoming more 
 common. 
 
 Point-of-sale advertising and demonstrations are 
 regarded by some merchants as most effective and are 
 used quite extensively. However, demonstration ad- 
 vertising can be expensive. 
 
 Television, now in its infancy, may become an im- 
 portant medium in the future. 
 
 Several advertising and public relations firms oper- 
 ating in Liberia offer a range of services. 
 
 MARKETING TECHNIQUES 
 
 The conservatism of many consumers in Liberia 
 often makes difficult the introduction of new products. 
 However, once established, consumer loyalty is an 
 asset in assuring continuing sales. 
 
 New products are generally introduced to the market 
 without the elaborate market research techniques em- 
 ployed in the highly industrialized countries. Most 
 often, the new product is ordered in small quantities 
 by a wholesaler who must gamble on whether retailers 
 will be willing to handle the product and on whether 
 the article will be attractive to consumers. Advertising 
 campaigns — mostly on radio, in newspapers, and at the 
 movies — are used extensively, just as are demonstra- 
 tions and sample giveaways. Occasionally, large trad- 
 ing concerns, often in cooperation with suppliers, have 
 conducted limited surveys of the market for specific 
 products. Market research may be expected to become 
 more important in the future. 
 
 Once a product is familiar in the market, manufac- 
 turers should resist the temptation to alter its charac- 
 teristics or packaging in the slightest unless a change 
 is absolutely essential. Minor changes of this type have 
 been known to eliminate products almost completely 
 from the market. If changes are made, great care 
 should be taken to advertise those changes, pointing 
 out that the basic product is the same. 
 
 Products which indicate that they are designed espe- 
 cially for Liberia or West Africa are almost certain to 
 meet with sales resistance. Consumers generally want 
 the same articles that are sold in the United States or 
 Europe. They apparently feel that products designed 
 specifically for Africa are inferior. 
 
 22 
 
LOADING FOR EXPORT: Bales of Liberian crepe rubber are moved 
 from dock to holds of a coastal barge. 
 
 Some traders are reluctant to take on new lines 
 unless they are assured of promotional support from 
 the suppliers. This is particularly true with the more 
 expensive and technical items on which losses could be 
 relatively large if sales efforts did not succeed. 
 
 In some lines, such as luxury goods, the chances for 
 success in selling a product often hinge on its accept- 
 ance by some of the leading members of the high- 
 income consumption group. Such acceptance will often 
 lead to purchases by other members of the elite group 
 and by members of the middle class who tend to view 
 the item as a status symbol. 
 
 Successful marketing of capital goods and materials 
 in Liberia, as in most of West Africa, often requires 
 much effort and expense. It is important to have quali- 
 fied agents and, perhaps more crucial, to be able to 
 adequately service the equipment. Also, the ability to 
 provide replacement parts promptly is extremely 
 important. 
 
 Given the limitations of the Liberian market, it may 
 sometimes be uneconomic to establish a Liberian sales 
 and service organization. However, a system designed 
 for the whole of West Africa would spread the costs of 
 operation and might be feasible. Manufacturers should 
 use care in selecting distributors in Liberia and should 
 attempt to find firms which have the ability to provide 
 the best possible service under the circumstances. The 
 leading position of the United States in sales of con- 
 struction and mining equipment is due in no small 
 part to an active sales and service organization. 
 
 PACKAGING 
 
 In Liberian retail stores, an attractively designed 
 package can be an important selling asset. For some 
 types of consumer goods, reusable containers often 
 are highly valued for themselves. Some traders indi- 
 cate that such items as engines, pumps, outboard 
 motors, and other technical equipment packed in strong 
 wooden cases seem to have more sales appeal than 
 similar items delivered in less adequate crates or card- 
 board packages. 
 
 U.S. packaging designs enjoy good reputations in 
 most lines of consumer goods sold at retail. However, 
 U.S. packaging of some technical equipment is held 
 in less esteem, as is packaging for export in general. 
 
 Goods shipped to Liberia should be securely packed 
 to withstand rough handling, tropical heat, and hu- 
 midity, and to minimize losses due to pilfering. When- 
 ever possible, strong wooden boxes or some equally 
 effective protection should be used. The high humidity 
 
 23 
 
STAMPED FOR SALE: Siberians buy more processed foods now than 
 a few years ago. U.S. brands are popular. 
 
 and heavy rains make cardboard cartons impractical. 
 The importance of proper export packaging as part of 
 a sales effort cannot be overemphasized. Faulty pack- 
 ing is one of the more frequently heard complaints 
 against U.S. products, not only in Liberia but through- 
 out West Africa. 
 
 MARKETING AIDS 
 
 The U.S. businessman interested in trading or in- 
 vesting abroad may obtain a wide range of services 
 and publications from the U.S. Department of Com- 
 merce and other sources. One or more of the following 
 services and publications may be helpful: 
 
 Trade Lists — Trade lists are compiled by U.S. For- 
 eign Service officers abroad and published by the U.S. 
 Department of Commerce. They give names and ad- 
 dresses of firms and short descriptions of the firms' 
 operations. They are available for $1 each from any 
 Commerce Department field office or from the Com- 
 mercial Intelligence Division, U.S. Department of 
 Commerce, Washington, D.C., 20230. For Liberia, a 
 
 single such list, Business Firms in Liberia, is available. 
 
 World Trade Directory Reports — World Trade Di- 
 rectory Reports (WTD's) are compiled and distributed 
 in the same manner as trade lists and are available 
 for $1 each. They may be obtained on firms in Liberia 
 and any other free world country. Each report con- 
 tains detailed commercial and sales information on a 
 specific foreign firm. Information includes data as to 
 type of organization, method of operation, lines han- 
 dled, size, capitalization, sales volume, names of offi- 
 cers, reputation, representatives in the United States 
 and U.S. lines represented (if any), as well as sources 
 of credit information and other references. 
 
 Trade Contact Surveys — Trade Contact Surveys will 
 be made on request by commercial specialists at the 
 American Embassy, Monrovia. Local firms are con- 
 tacted to locate a qualified agent, distributor, or licen- 
 see. The Embassy's report will give pertinent informa- 
 tion on firms that express, an interest in dealing with 
 the U.S. firm and in meeting the U.S. firm's specific 
 requirements. (At least three Liberian firms will be 
 described if possible ) . The Embassy's report will also 
 give marketing data for the product involved. A charge 
 of $50 is made for each survey. Details and necessary 
 application forms are available from U.S. Department 
 of Commerce field offices or from the Commercial Intel- 
 ligence Division, U.S. Department of Commerce, 
 Washington. D.C., 20230. 
 
 Sales Literature on Display in Liberia — American 
 embassies and consulates in countries around the 
 world maintain commercial libraries for the use of 
 local businessmen. Firms wishing to place literature 
 about their products in commercial libraries in Liberia 
 or other countries abroad should write to the Office 
 
 24 
 
of International Trade Promotion, Bureau of Interna- 
 tional Commerce, U.S. Department of Commerce, 
 Washington, D.C., 20230, or contact a Department 
 field office. 
 
 INTERNATIONAL COMMERCE, the Commerce 
 Department's weekly news magazine for businessmen 
 interested in trade and investment abroad, reports on 
 general economic conditions in countries around the 
 world and lists opportunities for export sales of specific 
 U.S. products. The subscription price is $16 a year; 
 checks should be made out to the Superintendent of 
 Documents and mailed either to a Department of Com- 
 merce field office or to the Superintendent of Docu- 
 ments, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, 
 D.C., 20402. 
 
 Basic economic and commercial information — Over- 
 seas Business Reports (formerly World Trade Infor- 
 mation Service) plus special supplements to INTER- 
 NATIONAL COMMERCE and various other reports 
 are prepared by the Commerce Department's Office of 
 International Regional Economics, from reports sub- 
 mitted by commercial and economic specialists at 
 American embassies overseas or in connection with 
 surveys conducted abroad by the Commerce Depart- 
 ment personnel. A checklist of these international 
 business publications may be obtained free of charge 
 from the Publications Sales and Distribution Branch, 
 U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, D.C., 
 20230. 
 
 The following reports deal with Liberia and are cur- 
 rently available from the Superintendent of Documents. 
 Washington, D.C., 20402, and from the Department of 
 Commerce field offices: 
 
 Basic Data on the Economy of Liberia, OBR 
 64-42, April 1964. 
 
 Foreign Trade Regulations of Liberia, OBR 64-90, 
 August 1964. 
 
 Africa-Sales Frontier for U.S. Business, a supple- 
 ment to INTERNATIONAL COMMERCE, 121 
 pages. March 1963. $1. 
 
 Establishing a Business in Liberia, WTIS, Part 1, 
 No. 62-53. 
 
 Specific Economic or Commercial Information — Spe- 
 cific questions about customs duties or on licensing 
 and documentary requirements applicable to imports 
 of particular commodities into Liberia should be di- 
 rected to any U.S. Department of Commerce Field 
 Office or to the Africa Division, Bureau of Interna- 
 tional Commerce, U.S. Department of Commerce, 
 Washington, D.C., 20230. 
 
 Businessmen may obtain further information on 
 other Department of Commerce publications and serv- 
 ices through any of the field offices. Full information 
 on the Commerce Department services to exporters as 
 well as on private business aids to marketing abroad 
 is contained in the booklet What You Should Know 
 About Exporting, available for 25 cents from the 
 Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Print- 
 ing Office, Washington, D.C., 20402. 
 
 Liberian Government publications: 
 
 Facts about Liberia, Liberian Information Serv- 
 ice, December 1963. 
 
 Liberia Annual Review 1962-63, Consolidated 
 Publications, Inc., Monrovia, Liberia. May be avail- 
 able from Liberian Information Service, Monrovia. 
 The publisher is no longer in business. 
 
 Liberia Chamber of Commerce Handbook and Di- 
 rectory 1963, Consolidated Publications Co., Mon- 
 rovia, Liberia. May be available from Liberian In- 
 formation Service, Monrovia. The publisher is no 
 longer in business. 
 
 The Liberian Yearbook, 1962, Ed. Henry B. Cole, 
 Liberian Review Publication. 
 
 Trade, Industry and Taxation in Liberia, Liberian 
 Information Service, Monrovia, Liberia. 
 
 Private Publishers: 
 
 West African Directory, 1963-64. Includes com- 
 mercial, financial, economic, and political informa- 
 tion and classified business directories for all West 
 African countries. 624 pages. Thomas Skinner & 
 Co., Ltd., London. 
 
 West Africa. Biweekly magazine featuring eco- 
 nomic and political developments in West Africa. 
 Overseas Newspapers (Agencies), Ltd., London. 
 
 BUSINESSMEN'S ORGANIZATIONS 
 
 The Liberia Chamber of Commerce is the largest 
 businessmen's organization, having more than 100 
 firms and individuals as active members. Its member- 
 ship is international. It maintains a building in Mon- 
 rovia which contains office and conference rooms, a 
 commercial library, and dining and lounge facilities. 
 
 The Liberia Businessmen's Association is an organi- 
 zation composed entirely of Liberians and is designed 
 as a forum for discussion of common problems. 
 
 A luncheon group, the Hungry Club, is composed of 
 businessmen, Government leaders, and others and 
 meets about once a month to discuss political, eco- 
 nomic, business, or civic affairs. 
 
 25 
 
Chapter 5 
 
 Basic Data 
 
 JLjiberia is located at the southwest corner of Africa's 
 western bulge. Its land area is approximately 43,000 
 square miles, roughly that of Ohio. It shares frontiers 
 with Sierra Leone on the west. Guinea to the north and 
 west, and the Ivory Coast on the east and northeast. 
 On the south, it borders the Atlantic Ocean for about 
 350 miles. 
 
 GEOGRAPHY 
 
 The geographic center of Liberia is roughly between 
 5 and 8 degrees north of the Equator and 8 to 11 
 degrees west of the Greenwich Prime Meridian. The 
 country is almost entirely within the tropical rain- 
 forest belt that covers much of the West African coast. 
 
 Extending a few miles inland from Liberia's coast- 
 line is a low plain interlaced with creeks, marsh areas, 
 and tidal lagoons. From this plain the land rises to 
 form a series of ill-defined plateaus containing the high 
 rain forest. Further inland, along the Guinea border, 
 are parts of the Nimba and Walo Mountains. Eleva- 
 tions in the central plateau generally range from 600 
 to about 2.000 feet and some mountains rise to ap- 
 proximately 5,000 feet. 
 
 There are numerous creeks and rivers in nearly all 
 parts of the country. The larger rivers traverse Liberia 
 
 roughly at right angles to the sea. Rivers are not 
 navigable except for a few miles upstream from the 
 ocean and are frequently obstructed at their mouths 
 by sandbars. 
 
 Liberia's climate is characterized by both high tem- 
 perature and humidity. The average temperature for 
 the country is around 80° Fahrenheit the year around. 
 However, temperatures are occasionally recorded of 
 100° F. on the coast and of 50° F. on the peaks of 
 the highest mountains. Near the coast the rainfall 
 averages 150 to 180 inches a year. In interior areas, 
 rainfall amounts usually to 70 inches a year. Nearly 
 all rain falls during the period from April to November. 
 
 About one-half of Liberia's land area can be con- 
 sidered arable. However, it is estimated that agricul- 
 tural land now comprises only about 20',' of the coun- 
 try's total land. As shown in table 16, high and broken 
 forests cover more than one-half of Liberia's area. 
 
 NATURAL RESOURCES 
 
 Liberia is well endowed with natural resources 
 which, considering the country's relatively small popu- 
 lation, should enhance the potential for long-term 
 economic development. 
 
 26 
 
RUBBER PLANTATION BUILDINGS: Tropical rain clouds close 
 in during Liberia's May-to-November rainy season. 
 
 It has rich deposits of high-quality iron ore. Pro- 
 duction of iron ore amounted to 3 to 4 million tons 
 a year in 1960-62 with only one mine in production 
 (see table 17), but exceeded 10 million tons in 1963 
 as two new mines began production. A fourth mine 
 is scheduled to start producing in 1965. The value of 
 iron ore exported during 1960-62 amounted to $32 
 million a year. Exports in 1963 were valued at $60 
 million. The iron mines are operated by foreign com- 
 panies under concessions granted by the Liberian 
 Government. 
 
 Gold and diamonds are also produced in Liberia, 
 but their contribution to the country's export earnings 
 are small, but growing. Other minerals known to be 
 present include bauxite, manganese, graphite, and lead. 
 None of these are now exploited commercially. Geo- 
 logical surveys of mineral resources are now underway. 
 
 Timber represents a great, relatively untapped re- 
 source. More than one-half of the land area is covered 
 with forest growth of which a large proportion is 
 virgin timber. Some exploitation of timber is under- 
 
 way, but operations are comparatively small. Total 
 production of logs and lumber increased from 4.5 mil- 
 lion board feet in 1958 to 21 million board feet in 
 1962. The country's potential for timber production 
 is estimated to be more than 125 million board feet 
 a year. 
 
 Timber production has been hampered by the lack 
 of adequate transportation, for many timber areas are 
 inaccessible. Roads that are now planned and under 
 construction should correct this situation, but there 
 still will be large areas of forest not served by the 
 transportation network. Railroads built in connection 
 with mining enterprises eventually may be used to 
 transport timber. 
 
 AGRICULTURE 
 
 Although agriculture engages three-fourths of Li- 
 beria's labor force, it contributes less than that pro- 
 portion to the monetary economy. Natural rubber — 
 most of which is produced on large plantations oper- 
 ated by foreign concessionaires — and small amount of 
 coffee, cocoa, and palm kernels are marketed for cash, 
 but subsistence farming is the primary agricultural 
 form in Liberia. Among both subsistence and small 
 
 ROOM WITH A BALCONY: One of the newer hotels in Monrovia. Most modern hotels in the city are air conditioned. 
 
 j; 
 
 l/J 
 
 *'. .*•": 
 
 ' \M/r 
 
 ■ m ~~f , 
 
 •UL. i 
 
 - - 
 
 
 , : : ■'■ 
 
 i 
 
 r 
 
 ■ -■;;■/ 
 
 ..y^/ ] 
 
 
 ■■ 
 
 mm mmmwm . 
 
 >- —*- 
 
 1 1 
 
 '. 1 
 
 lU r 
 
 ** 
 
 
 
 ' 
 
 — 
 
cash-crop farmers, agricultural methods are primitive 
 and marketing is not well organized. More modern 
 agricultural methods and marketing arrangements are 
 being promoted, but the transition to a cash agricul- 
 tural sector will probably take considerable time. 
 Agricultural production estimates are contained in 
 table 18. 
 
 However, agriculture appears to offer potential for 
 increasing the scope of the monetary economy. If 
 more cocoa, coffee, citrus fruits, rice, pineapple, and 
 other such crops — which are marketable and well-suited 
 to conditions in the country — could be produced, ex- 
 
 port earnings would be increased. In addition, the 
 country could become self-sufficient in food produc- 
 tion, and farmers could increase their purchases of 
 both locally produced and imported goods. Increased 
 agricultural production could also lead to the estab- 
 lishment of food-processing industries. 
 
 Livestock raising in Liberia is hampered by the 
 prevalence of sleeping sickness. 
 
 Poultry and egg production has progressed so satis- 
 factorily that the country is nearly self-sufficient in 
 
 eggs. 
 
 i TO FREETOWN 
 
 GUINEA 
 
 LIBERIA 
 HIGHWAY SYSTEM 
 
 28 
 
BENEFICIATION: Quality of iron ore being mined at Bomi Hills is improved in this ore concentration plant. 
 
 The importance of fishing to the Liberian economy 
 has increased with the freezing of fish at sea. The 
 catch is then distributed from strategically located 
 cold-storage depots and through market women travel- 
 ing to various parts of the country. As a result, fish 
 are sold at a lower price and distributed in a larger 
 land area than had been possible previously. The pres- 
 ent fish catch is not yet enough to supply all domestic 
 needs, but a significant exporting industry could be 
 developed. 
 
 INDUSTRY 
 
 Liberia's industrial sector is small but growing. 
 Domestic manufacturing industries presently consist 
 of small plants producing soft drinks, beer, concrete 
 blocks, soap, paint, explosives, nails, and footwear; 
 
 several sawmilling and furniture-making plants; and 
 some limited facilities for processing agricultural 
 crops, such as coffee and palm kernels. There is also 
 a job machine shop and a plant that bottles industrial 
 gases. Several concessionaires operate sawmills, brick 
 plants, machine shops, and other facilities to produce 
 items exclusively for their own needs. Two large rub- 
 ber plantations process rubber for export, and an 
 iron ore mine operates an ore-concentrating plant. 
 
 A small mattress factory is scheduled to enter pro- 
 duction in 1964. Other potential industries under active 
 consideration include a pharmaceutical plant, an edi- 
 ble-oil refinery, an aluminum fabricating plant, a 
 cement plant, and two liquor distilleries. A petroleum 
 refinery is to be built, according to an agreement signed 
 by the Liberian Government and a foreign company, 
 and a steel mill is being discussed. 
 
 29 
 
States is recommended for year-round wear in Liberia. Rain 
 
 apparel is necessary for the wet season. 
 
 APPENDIXES 
 
 A. Notes for Business Travelers 
 
 HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS 
 
 There are a number of hotels in Monrovia, including one 
 luxury hotel and two or three first-ckss hotels. Most hotels are 
 air conditioned. Rates range from approximately $10 at the 
 first-class hotel to $13.50 and up at the luxury hotel. Outside 
 Monrovia there is a first-class hotel at the Robertsfield Inter- 
 national Airport and a modern motel at Bernards Beach in 
 suburban Monrovia. 
 
 LOCAL TRANSPORTATION 
 
 Bus and taxi service is available in Monrovia and vicinity. 
 Cab fare within the city limits is 25 cents. Taxicabs are also 
 available for charter. It is advisable to arrange the price with 
 the company or driver before embarking on a charter trip. 
 
 COMMUNICATIONS 
 
 International communications are generally adequate. Cable 
 service via the French cable system is good. International air- 
 mail service between Liberia and the United States generally 
 requires ahout 1 week while surface mail normally is in transit 
 4 to 5 weeks. 
 
 Communications within Liberia are relatively poor. The only 
 telephone system is in Monrovia but it is functionally uncertain. 
 Usually, no telephone servce is available. Communication with 
 points outside Monrovia is maintained by radio. Work is now 
 underway on improvements to the telephone and radio networks. 
 
 ELECTRICITY 
 
 Electric current is 110-volt, 60-cycle, alternating current. 
 
 PASSPORTS AND VISAS 
 
 A valid U.S. passport and an entry visa from the Liberian 
 Government are required for any person planning to visit 
 Liberia. Single-entry visas may be obtained from the Liberian 
 Embassy in Washington or the Liberian Consulate in New York. 
 
 The application for a visa (in duplicate) should be accom- 
 panied by a statement from the police in the applicant's home 
 city, an International Health Certificate showing inoculation 
 and vaccination for smallpox and yellow fever, and a medical 
 certificate from the applicant's personal physician. Two photo- 
 graphs should accompany the visa application. Still another 
 photograph is required by the immigration authorities at Mon- 
 rovia when a traveler arrives. 
 
 To leave Liberia, the traveler will be required to obtain an 
 exit visa from authorities there. A visitor should apply for an 
 exit visa well in advance of his planned departure. 
 
 U.S. COMMERCIAL REPRESENTATION 
 
 The traveling businessman should contact the Commercial 
 Attache at the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia. The Commercial 
 Attache has a first-hand knowledge of local conditions and of 
 the business community. He can often aid the visiting business- 
 man in making contacts, and can provide valuable information 
 on current economic and commercial activities. 
 
 BUSINESS HOURS 
 
 Business establishments in Monrovia are generally open from 
 7:30 a.m. to noon and from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday 
 through Friday. Saturday hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 
 However, many small stores remain open until approximately 
 9:30 p.m. daily, except Sunday. Government offices normally 
 open at 7:30 a.m. and close at 4:30 p.m., although hours vary 
 depending on the agency. Banking hours for most banks are 
 from 8:00 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday. Banks are 
 closed on Saturday. 
 
 HOLIDAYS 
 
 The following holidays are observed in Liberia: New Year's 
 Day I January 1), Pioneer's Day (January 7), Armed Forces 
 Day (February 11), Literacy Day (February 14), Decoration 
 Day (second Wednesday in March), Fast and Prayer Day 
 (second Friday in April), Birthday of Joseph Jenkins Roberts, 
 first President (March 15), Africa Freedom Day (April 15), 
 National Unification and Integration Day (May 14), Inde- 
 pendence Day (July 26), Flag Day (August 24), United 
 Nations Day (October 24), Thanksgiving Day (first Thursday 
 in November), Matilda Newport Day (December 1), Human 
 Rights Day (December 10), Christmas Day (December 25), 
 Good Friday, and Easter. 
 
 CLOTHING 
 
 Liberia has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons — the 
 rainy season ( May to November ) and the dry season ( December 
 to April). Temperature and humidity are high most of the year. 
 Wash and wear clothing suitable for summer in the United 
 
 Liberian iron ore is being dumped into a grinder as the first step 
 in a concentrating process. 
 
 30 
 
B. Bibliography 
 
 GOVERNMENT OF LIBERIA 
 
 Department of Agriculture and Commerce: 
 
 Annual Report, Fiscal Year 1962-1963. Monrovia. 
 Bureau of Economic Research and Statistics: 
 
 Annual Report, Oct. 1, 1960-Sept. 30, 1961; Oct. 1, 1961- 
 May 27, 1962. Monrovia. 
 Office of National Planning: 
 
 Annual Report, May 28, 1962-Sept. 30, 1962; Oct. 1, 1962- 
 Sept. 30, 1963. Monrovia. 
 Liberian Information Service: 
 
 Facts About Liberia. Monrovia. December, 1953. 
 
 Trade, Industry and Taxation in Liberia. Monrovia. 
 
 Welcome to Our Capital. Monrovia. December, 1963. 
 Liberian Embassy: 
 
 Liberian Newsletter. (Periodical published by the Liberian 
 Embassy, Washington, D.C. ) 
 
 U.S. GOVERNMENT, 
 WASHINGTON, D.C. 
 
 Department of Agriculture: 
 
 Reconnaissance Soil Survey in Liberia. Agriculture Infor- 
 mation Bulletin No. 66, June 1951. 
 
 Department of Commerce: 
 
 Africa: Sales Frontier for U.S. Business. A supplement to 
 International Commerce. 
 
 Establishing a Business in Liberia, WTIS, Part I, No. 62-53. 
 
 Basic Data on the Economy of Liberia, OBR 64-42. 
 
 Foreign Trade Regulations of Liberia, OBR 64-90. 
 International Cooperation Administration: 
 
 Third Report on Forestry in Liberia, 1951-1959; 1961. 
 Department of Labor: 
 
 Labor in Liberia, Foreign Labor Information, May 1960. 
 
 OTHER 
 
 R. Earle Anderson, Liberia, America's African Friend (Uni- 
 versity of North Carolina Press T Chapel Hill, N. C). 1952. 
 
 The Lamco Project. (Adapted from the Annals of the Swed- 
 ish Ironmasters' Association. ) 1963. 
 
 Liberia Annual Review 1962-1963. Annual. (Published by 
 Consolidated Publications Inc.) Monrovia. (See page 25.) 
 
 Liberia Chamber of Commerce Handbook and Directory, 1963. 
 I See page 25. ) 
 
 The Liberian Yearbook 1962, Ed. by Henry B. Cole. Liberian 
 Review Publications, Monrovia, Liberia. 
 
 U.S. Business Performance Abroad — Firestone Operations in 
 Liberia, National Planning Association, Washington, D.C, 
 1956. 
 
 II est African Directory. Annual. Thomas Skinner and Co. 
 Publishers, London. 
 
 West Africa Weekly. Overseas Newspapers (Agencies), Ltd., 
 London. 
 
 LIBERIAN SAWYERS: Domestic logs ore sawed fo a true edge on imported machinery in a small mil 
 
 31 
 
Table 1. — Government Receipts and Expendi- 
 tures, 1940, 1950, 1958-64 
 
 [Millions of dollars] 
 
 TABLES 
 
 Year 
 
 Domestic revenues 
 
 Expenditures 
 
 1940 
 
 1950 
 
 1958 
 
 1959 
 
 1960 
 
 1961 
 
 1962 
 
 1963 
 
 1964 
 
 0.8 
 
 4.0 
 19.0 
 25.0 
 33.0 
 33.0 
 37.0 2 
 37.0 a 
 39.0 2 
 
 0.6 
 
 5.0 
 29.0 ' 
 36.0 ' 
 42.0 i 
 39.01 
 41.0 " 
 
 ( 3 ) 
 39.9 2 
 
 1 Excludes some development expenditure financed by foreign loans. 
 
 2 Budget estimate. 
 
 3 Not shown because actual expenditures likely to differ significantly 
 from budget estimates. 
 
 Sources: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Foreign Commerce, 
 Basic Data on the Economy of Liberia, WTIS, Part 1, No. 59-57; U.S. 
 Agency for International Development; U.S. Embassy, Monrovia. 
 
 Table 2. — Exports, by Commodity, 1953-62 
 
 [Millions of dollars] 
 
 Commodity 
 
 1953 
 
 1954 
 
 1955 
 
 1956 
 
 1957 
 
 1958 
 
 1959 
 
 1960 
 
 1961 
 
 1962 
 
 All commodities, total 
 
 31.0 
 
 26.4 
 
 42.8 
 
 44.5 
 
 40.4 
 
 53.8 
 
 66.9 
 
 82.6 
 
 61.9 
 
 67.5 
 
 Rubber . 
 
 Iron ore . 
 
 Palm kernel. 
 
 Piassava . 
 
 Coffee- ._ .. . __ 
 
 Cocoa . - 
 
 Diamonds 
 
 Other commodities and exports 
 of foreign merchandise 
 
 21.1 
 
 5.8 
 
 1.9 
 
 .3 
 
 2 
 
 .1 
 
 (') 
 
 1.5 
 
 18.7 
 4.4 
 1.2 
 .2 
 _2 
 .4 
 .5 
 
 .8 
 
 33.0 
 6.7 
 1.0 
 .3 
 .2 
 .3 
 .6 
 
 .6 
 
 30.3 
 
 8.1 
 
 1.0 
 
 2 
 
 .3 
 
 .3 
 
 2.4 
 
 1.9 
 
 27.5 
 
 8.5 
 
 1.2 
 
 .2 
 
 .3 
 
 .2 
 
 1.2 
 
 1.3 
 
 26.1 
 
 21.6 
 
 1.0 
 
 .4 
 
 .3 
 
 .4 
 
 2.3 
 
 1.7 
 
 30.7 
 
 28.2 
 
 2.3 
 
 .2 
 
 .6 
 
 .5 
 
 2.1 
 
 2.2 
 
 39.1 
 
 34.6 
 
 2.0 
 
 .4 
 
 .5 
 
 .5 
 
 2.3 
 
 3.2 
 
 25.5 
 
 29.4 
 
 1.1 
 
 .1 
 
 .4 
 
 .2 
 
 2.2 
 
 3.0 
 
 25.7 
 32.4 
 .8 
 .1 
 .6 
 .3 
 4.6 
 
 3.0 
 
 1 Less than $500,000. 
 
 Source: Government of Liberia, FT Report No. 201 and 202, and Foreign Trade supplements for various years. Monrovia. 
 
 Table 3. — Imports, by Commodity Classification, 1953-62 
 
 [Millions of dollars] 
 
 Commodity classification 
 
 1953 
 
 1954 
 
 1955 
 
 1956 
 
 1957 
 
 1958 
 
 1959 
 
 1960 
 
 1961 
 
 1962 
 
 All commodities, total 
 
 18.7 
 
 22.7 
 
 26.0 
 
 26.8 
 
 38.3 
 
 38.5 
 
 42.9 
 
 69.2 
 
 90.7 
 
 132.2 
 
 Food ... 
 
 2.4 
 .9 
 .1 
 1.5 
 (1) 
 1.5 
 
 5.3 
 
 4.5 
 
 2.3 
 
 .1 
 
 3.6 
 
 1.1 
 .2 
 2.1 
 (1) 
 1.5 
 
 5.8 
 
 5.1 
 
 3.1 
 
 2 
 
 4.3 
 
 1.5 
 .3 
 1.4 
 (1) 
 2.1 
 
 6.1 
 
 6.4 
 
 3.9 
 
 .1 
 
 4.0 
 
 1.0 
 
 .2 
 
 1.3 
 
 (1) 
 1.9 
 
 8.3 
 
 6.5 
 3.4 
 
 0) 
 
 5.5 
 1.7 
 
 .4 
 1.7 
 
 .1 
 2.3 
 
 10.5 
 
 11.4 
 4.7 
 (1) 
 
 5.6 
 2.6 
 
 .2 
 2.7 
 
 .1 
 2.7 
 
 9.0 
 
 10.4 
 5.3 
 
 (1) 
 
 5.5 
 2.3 
 
 .2 
 2.8 
 
 .1 
 2.7 
 
 11.8 
 
 10.4 
 6.9 
 (1) 
 
 8.3 
 
 2.7 
 .6 
 
 2.9 
 .1 
 
 4.7 
 
 16.2 
 
 23.3 
 
 10.0 
 
 .3 
 
 10.0 
 
 4.1 
 .7 
 
 3.4 
 .2 
 
 4.3 
 
 21.6 
 
 35.0 
 9.9 
 
 1.4 
 
 12.3 
 
 
 4.8 
 
 Inedible crude materials 
 
 Mineral fuels and lubricants 
 
 Oils and fats 
 
 1.6 
 
 4.3 
 
 .3 
 
 Chemicals _. 
 
 Manufactured goods, classified 
 
 chiefiy by materials 
 
 Machinery and transport equip- 
 ment 
 
 5.8 
 35.0 
 54.3 
 
 Miscellaneous manufactures . .. 
 Miscellaneous transactions 
 
 12.1 
 1.6 
 
 1 Less than $500,000. 
 
 Source: Government of Liberia, FT Report No, 101 and 102, and Foreign Trade supplements for various years. Monrovia. 
 
 32 
 
Table 4. — Exports, by Country of Destination, 1953-62 
 
 Country of destination 
 
 1953 
 
 1954 
 
 1955 
 
 1956 
 
 1957 
 
 1958 
 
 1959 
 
 1960 
 
 1961 
 
 1962 
 
 
 Value in millions of dollars 
 
 
 31.0 
 
 26.4 
 
 42.8 
 
 44.5 
 
 40.4 
 
 53.8 
 
 66.9 
 
 82.6 
 
 61.9 
 
 67.5 
 
 
 
 
 25.6 
 
 3.1 
 
 1.1 
 
 .4 
 
 .8 
 
 22.1 
 
 1.9 
 
 .8 
 
 .6 
 
 1.0 
 
 37.2 
 
 2.3 
 
 .9 
 
 1.6 
 
 .8 
 
 35.4 
 2.2 
 1.3 
 2.1 
 3.5 
 
 31.5 
 3.0 
 
 1.4 
 2.7 
 1.8 
 
 35.2 
 3.3 
 3.0 
 9.2 
 3.1 
 
 40.9 
 9.8 
 4.9 
 5.8 
 5.5 
 
 41.7 
 
 14.1 
 
 11.6 
 
 6.6 
 
 8.6 
 
 27.4 
 
 13.4 
 
 5.4 
 
 3.8 
 
 1 1 .9 
 
 29.9 
 
 Netherlands 
 
 12.6 
 
 
 8.3 
 
 
 3.4 
 
 
 13.3 
 
 
 
 
 Percentage distribution 
 
 
 100.0 
 
 100.0 
 
 100.0 
 
 100.0 
 
 100.0 
 
 100.0 
 
 100.0 
 
 100.0 
 
 100.0 
 
 100.0 
 
 
 
 
 82.7 
 9.9 
 3.6 
 1.1 
 2.7 
 
 83.9 
 7.4 
 2.9 
 2.4 
 3.4 
 
 86.9 
 5.3 
 2.0 
 3.6 
 2.2 
 
 79.5 
 4.9 
 2.9 
 4.6 
 8.1 
 
 78.0 
 7.3 
 3.5 
 6.6 
 4.6 
 
 65.6 
 6.1 
 5.6 
 
 17.1 
 5.6 
 
 61.1 
 14.7 
 7.4 
 8.7 
 8.1 
 
 50.4 
 17.1 
 14.0 
 8.0 
 10.5 
 
 44.3 
 
 21.7 
 8.7 
 6.1 
 
 19.2 
 
 44.4 
 
 Netherlands . 
 
 18.7 
 
 United Kingdom _ 
 
 12.9 
 5.1 
 
 
 18.9 
 
 
 
 Source: Government of Liberia. FT Report No. 201 and 202, and Foreign Trade supplements for various years. Monrovia. 
 
 Table 5. — Imports, by Country of Origin, 1953-62 
 
 Country of origin 
 
 1953 
 
 1954 
 
 1955 
 
 1956 
 
 1957 
 
 1958 
 
 1959 
 
 1960 
 
 1961 
 
 1962 
 
 
 Value in millions of dollars 
 
 
 18.7 
 
 22.7 
 
 26.0 
 
 26.8 
 
 38.3 
 
 38.5 
 
 42.9 
 
 69.2 
 
 90.7 
 
 132.2 
 
 
 
 
 12.7 
 2.0 
 1.2 
 1.1 
 1.7 
 
 15.2 
 2.3 
 1.5 
 1.4 
 2.3 
 
 16.1 
 2.8 
 2.9 
 1.8 
 2.4 
 
 16.7 
 3.2 
 2.6 
 1.6 
 2.7 
 
 24.0 
 3.4 
 4.2 
 1.8 
 4.9 
 
 21.3 
 3.2 
 4.4 
 1.9 
 
 20.2 
 4.1 
 4.5 
 2.3 
 
 11.8 
 
 37.6 
 7.6 
 6.0 
 3.7 
 
 14.3 
 
 44.5 
 
 1 1 .3 
 
 8.8 
 
 5.5 
 
 20.6 
 
 56.8 
 
 United Kingdom _____ 
 West Germany 
 
 12.0 
 26.9 
 
 
 8.2 
 
 
 28.3 
 
 
 
 
 Percentage distribution 
 
 All countries 
 
 100.0 
 
 100.0 
 
 100.0 
 
 100.0 
 
 100.0 
 
 100.0 
 
 100.0 
 
 100.0 
 
 100.0 
 
 100.0 
 
 
 
 
 67.9 
 
 10.5 
 
 6.5 
 
 5.9 
 
 9.2 
 
 66.9 
 
 10.0 
 
 6.6 
 
 6.1 
 
 10.4 
 
 61.8 
 
 11.0 
 
 11.3 
 
 7.0 
 
 8.9 
 
 62.2 
 
 11.8 
 
 9.8 
 
 5.9 
 
 10.3 
 
 62.7 
 8.8 
 
 11.1 
 4.8 
 
 12.6 
 
 55.5 
 8.3 
 
 11.5 
 5.0 
 
 19.7 
 
 47.0 
 11.8 
 10.5 
 5.3 
 2.5.4 
 
 54.4 
 
 11.0 
 
 8.6 
 
 5.4 
 
 20.6 
 
 49.0 
 
 12.5 
 
 9.7 
 
 6.0 
 
 22.8 
 
 43.0 
 
 United Kingdom 
 
 9.1 
 20.3 
 
 
 6.2 
 
 
 21.4 
 
 
 
 Source: Government of Liberia, FT Report No. 101 and 102, and Foreign Trade supplements for various years. Monrovia. 
 
 RICE HARVEST: To avoid waste of virgin forest, rice growers are taught to plant in swamps rather than highlands. 
 
 mm 
 
 -**•■ 
 
 ■tMKBi*.* 
 
 ,# -. 
 
 
 
 ■ 
 
Jl 
 
 MONEY TREES: Liberia even now earns some money from its timber and can earn much more with additional effort. 
 
 Table 6. — Manpower Composition of Population, 1962 
 
 [Percentages] 
 
 Item 
 
 Coastal area 
 
 Provinces 
 
 Total 
 
 
 Male 
 
 Female 
 
 Total 
 
 Male 
 
 Female 
 
 Total 
 
 Male 
 
 Female 
 
 Total 
 
 Population.. 
 
 100.0 
 
 100.0 
 
 100.0 
 
 100.0 
 
 100.0 
 
 100.0 
 
 100.0 
 
 100.0 
 
 100.0 
 
 
 
 
 36.7 
 63.3 
 
 37.4 
 62.6 
 
 37.1 
 62.9 
 
 4.5.3 
 54.7 
 
 45.2 
 54.9 
 
 45.2 
 54.8 
 
 41.3 
 58.7 
 
 42.0 
 58.0 
 
 41.6 
 
 
 58.4 
 
 
 
 Labor force. 
 
 50.1 
 13.2 
 
 23.3 
 39.3 
 
 37.4 
 2.5.5 
 
 34.0 
 20.7 
 
 21.7 
 33.2 
 
 27.4 
 27.4 
 
 41.5 
 17.2 
 
 22.3 
 35.7 
 
 31.8 
 
 Xonlabor force . __. 
 
 26.6 
 
 1 The nonmanpower group includes all those unable to work either because of their age or because of physical disability. The age limits of this group are 
 fixed at 15 and 65. 
 
 The manpower group includes (a) those falling within the age group 15-64. and who are not physically disabled; and (b) those falling outside this group 
 who are actually active. Within the manpower group three subgroups are distinguished: (i) Those who do not offer their services for work; e.g., housewives 
 and students; (ii) those who do offer their services, but do not find jobs; (Hi) those who are actually active either as employers, including the self-employed. 
 or as employees, including those who do not receive any direct payment for their labor. Groups (ii) and (iii) constitute the labor force. 
 
 Source: Government of Liberia, Office of National Planning, Annual Report for the Period October 1, 1962-September 30, 1063. Monrovia, 1964. 
 
 34 
 
Table 7. — Domestic and National Income and 
 Expenditure, 1960 
 
 [Millions of U.S. dollars] 
 
 Income 
 
 Wages, salaries, and supplements _ 46.9 
 
 African 33.7 
 
 Non African 13.2 
 
 Net money income of tribal households — exclusive of 
 
 money wages 7.3 
 
 Gross business surplus (including rents) 82.3 
 
 Concessions 53.3 
 
 Other firms and persons 29.0" 
 
 Profits from Government enterprises 0.8 
 
 Interest on productive Government debt 1.7 
 
 Indirect taxes and fees 15.7 
 
 Gross domestic money income at market prices 154.7 
 
 Plus subsistence agricultural income 18.1 
 
 Gross domestic income at market prices 172.8 
 
 Less net property income paid overseas 34.6 
 
 Gross national income at market prices 138.2 
 
 Less indirect taxes and fees 15.7 
 
 Gross national income at factor cost 122.5 
 
 Expenditure 
 
 Current goods and services 95.9 
 
 Households in money economy 67.0 
 
 Tribal households 12.0 
 
 Government 16.9 
 
 Gross domestic fixed capital formation 50.0 
 
 Concessions 31.0 
 
 Other businesses and households 14.2 
 
 Government 4.8 
 
 Net increase in inventories 8.0 
 
 Exports of goods and services 84.6 
 
 Less imports (f.a.s.) 1 ___ 83.8 
 
 0.8 
 
 Gross domestic money expenditures 154.7 
 
 Plus subsistence agricultural income 18.1 
 
 Gross domestic product at market prices 172.8 
 
 Less net property income paid overseas 34.6 
 
 Gross national product at market prices 138.2 
 
 Less indirect taxes and fees 15.7 
 
 Gross national income at factor cost 122.5 
 
 1 Free alongside ship. 
 
 Source: Government of Liberia. Report of the Office of National Planning 
 for the period ending September 30, 106-2, Monrovia, 1963. 
 
 Table 8. — Imports of Selected Foodstuffs, by 
 Major Suppliers, 1960-62 
 
 [Thousands of dollars] 
 
 Product 
 
 1960 
 
 1961 
 
 1962 
 
 
 303 
 
 103 
 
 6 
 
 160 
 
 455 
 83 
 73 
 
 142 
 
 403 
 
 232 
 
 19 
 
 15 
 
 114 
 
 52 
 
 5 
 
 28 
 
 477 
 
 3,111 
 
 211 
 
 330 
 
 2,127 
 
 291 
 
 23 
 
 2 
 
 263 
 
 293 
 
 74 
 
 7 
 
 190 
 
 177 
 65 
 62 
 
 279 
 
 149 
 
 33 
 
 135 
 99 
 14 
 
 493 
 
 261 
 
 24 
 
 159 
 
 695 
 158 
 100 
 183 
 
 358 
 
 232 
 
 60 
 
 25 
 
 231 
 
 71 
 27 
 90 
 
 790 
 3,134 
 
 221 
 
 356 
 
 2,455 
 
 360 
 
 38 
 
 7 
 
 302 
 
 273 
 72 
 43 
 90 
 
 239 
 91 
 
 71 
 
 387 
 
 212 
 
 57 
 
 192 
 
 121 
 
 16 
 
 745 
 
 
 192 
 
 
 50 
 
 
 293 
 
 Meat and meat preparations, canned or not. 
 
 Denmark. . . 
 
 Netherlands.. . _ 
 
 1,032 
 
 171 
 128 
 396 
 
 Milk and cream evaporated or condensed 
 
 Netherlands 
 
 269 
 179 
 23 
 
 
 11 
 
 
 232 
 
 Netherlands _ . 
 
 United Kingdom .. . . 
 
 81 
 42 
 78 
 
 Fish and fish preparations, canned or not 
 
 Rice (not in husk) . 
 
 West Germany 
 
 Italy .. 
 
 748 
 
 3,336 
 
 33 
 
 139 
 
 United States.. _ ... 
 Meal and flour of wheat and spelt 
 
 3,641 
 
 390 
 50 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 329 
 
 Sugar, Beet and cane, refined or not. 
 France. .. . 
 
 334 
 121 
 84 
 
 
 82 
 
 Vegetables, Fresh and dried. . 
 
 United States .. 
 
 Netherlands _. 
 
 Vegetables, Preserved, and vegetable 
 
 314 
 
 113 
 
 86 
 
 498 
 
 United States 
 
 Netherlands... . 
 
 Fruits preserved and fruit preparations. 
 
 238 
 41 
 
 237 
 157 
 
 
 23 
 
 
 
 1 Includes beef, veal, mutton, lamb, pork, poultry, edible offals, horse- 
 meat, and game. 
 
 Source: Government of Liberia, Imports of Merchandise for Consumption 
 (FT Report No. 101), 1960, 1961, 1962. Monrovia. 
 
 POTATO GROWERS: Future Farmers of Liberia show their talent in 
 learning at agriculture school to grow spuds. 
 
 -.Ml 
 
 K lit 
 
 
Table 9. — Imports of Selected Beverages and 
 Tobacco, by Major Suppliers, 1960—62 
 [Thousands of dollars] 
 
 Product 
 
 Beverages and tobacco 
 
 Cigarettes 
 
 United States 
 
 Beverages, alcoholic 
 
 Still wine 
 
 Italy 
 
 France 
 
 United States 
 
 Beer. 
 
 West Germany 
 
 Netherlands 
 
 United States 
 
 Stout 
 
 United Kingdom 
 
 Whisky 
 
 United Kingdoiru 
 
 Netherlands 
 
 United States __ 
 
 Gin 
 
 Netherlands 
 
 United Kingdom 
 
 United States 
 
 1960 
 
 1961 
 
 2,669 
 
 4,100 
 
 769 
 
 1,177 
 
 733 
 
 1,100 
 
 1,447 
 
 2,110 
 
 92 
 
 150 
 
 17 
 
 24 
 
 19 
 
 13 
 
 8 
 
 27 
 
 767 
 
 1,103 
 
 487 
 
 667 
 
 178 
 
 318 
 
 31 
 
 26 
 
 230 
 
 353 
 
 213 
 
 337 
 
 151 
 
 189 
 
 118 
 
 147 
 
 6 
 
 18 
 
 20 
 
 20 
 
 94 
 
 151 
 
 53 
 
 97 
 
 30 
 
 47 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1962 
 
 4,799 
 
 1,079 
 1,012 
 
 2,860 
 
 166 
 24 
 51 
 26 
 
 1,602 
 
 538 
 
 919 
 
 25 
 
 449 
 424 
 
 271 
 199 
 22 
 35 
 
 186 
 65 
 110 
 
 7 
 
 Source: Government of Liberia, Imports of Merchandise for Consumption 
 (FT Report No. 101), 1960, 1961, 1962. Monrovia. 
 
 Table 10. — Imports of Selected Clothing, Foot- 
 wear, and Textiles, by Major Suppliers, 
 1960-62 
 
 [Thousands of dollars] 
 
 Product 
 
 1960 
 
 1961 
 
 1962 
 
 Cotton fabrics other than grey in piece or 
 bolt 
 
 2,338 
 868 
 
 644 
 518 
 
 275 
 171 
 64 
 
 336 
 
 94 
 
 164 
 
 2,418 
 
 202 
 81 
 14 
 61 
 
 182 
 76 
 31 
 65 
 
 602 
 
 134 
 
 12 
 
 356 
 
 2,857 
 1,111 
 
 634 
 714 
 
 287 
 199 
 46 
 
 245 
 85 
 89 
 
 2,479 
 
 158 
 49 
 38 
 30 
 
 281 
 83 
 50 
 
 126 
 
 663 
 105 
 101 
 337 
 
 3,589 
 
 Japan 
 
 1,394 
 
 United Kingdom . 
 
 930 
 
 
 794 
 
 Rayon fabrics, synthetics in piece or bolt 
 
 Japan . _ _ 
 
 247 
 122 
 
 United States 
 
 73 
 
 Blankets.. 
 
 Japan 
 
 261 
 
 101 
 
 83 
 
 Clothing except furs _ _ . . ._ 
 
 3,059 
 
 Singlets, etc., and shorts other than knitted. 
 Hong Kong ._ _ 
 
 156 
 61 
 
 West Germany . 
 
 21 
 
 United States . . 
 
 48 
 
 Other underwear and nightwear other than 
 
 289 
 
 
 89 
 
 Japan 
 
 42 
 
 United States 
 
 127 
 
 Other outerwear (pants etc. other than 
 knitted) ._ . 
 
 670 
 
 Hong Kong.. .. 
 
 West Germany.. _ _ 
 
 140 
 26 
 
 United States 
 
 294 
 
 
 
 Table 10. — Imports of Selected Clothing, Foot- 
 wear, and Textiles, by Major Suppliers, 
 1960-62 — Continued 
 
 [Thousands of dollars] 
 
 Product 
 
 1960 
 
 1961 
 
 1962 
 
 
 114 
 
 73 
 
 3 
 
 461 
 146 
 109 
 160 
 
 1,515 
 
 1,076 
 
 63 
 
 34 
 
 761 
 
 197 
 48 
 49 
 17 
 
 159 
 
 48 
 
 56 
 
 16 
 
 3 
 
 159 
 86 
 19 
 
 481 
 108 
 127 
 166 
 
 959 
 
 512 
 86 
 68 
 
 195 
 
 194 
 30 
 36 
 
 49 
 
 136 
 
 23 
 
 31 
 
 21 
 
 3 
 
 358 
 
 
 289 
 
 
 5 
 
 
 663 
 
 
 173 
 
 
 123 
 
 
 280 
 
 
 1,175 
 
 
 521 
 
 Italy . 
 
 156 
 
 
 20 
 
 
 168 
 
 
 248 
 
 
 96 
 
 
 33 
 
 
 16 
 
 
 137 
 
 
 19 
 
 Japan 
 
 Czechoslovakia . . 
 
 41 
 
 22 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 Source: Government of Liberia, Imports of Merchandise for Consumption 
 (FT Report No. 101). 1960, 1961, 1962. Monrovia. 
 
 Table 11. — Imports of Selected Chemicals, by 
 Major Suppliers, 1960-62 
 
 [Thousands of dollars] 
 
 Product 
 
 1960 
 
 1961 
 
 1962 
 
 Medicinal and pharmaceutical products 
 
 883 
 
 104 
 63 
 33 
 
 598 
 
 60 
 
 258 
 
 192 
 
 907 
 
 89 
 71 
 
 90 
 60 
 14 
 
 262 
 
 108 
 
 (1) 
 (1) 
 91 
 
 1,134 
 
 24 
 
 1,099 
 
 1,177 
 
 93 
 67 
 20 
 
 941 
 118 
 324 
 363 
 
 845 
 
 86 
 72 
 
 108 
 73 
 13 
 
 407 
 
 115 
 15 
 36 
 49 
 
 180 
 51 
 110 
 
 1,454 
 113 
 
 
 92 
 
 
 14 
 
 Other medicinal and pharmaceutical 
 
 1,207 
 
 
 152 
 
 
 734 
 
 
 169 
 
 Perfumery, cosmetics, and soap preparations. 
 
 1,341 
 101 
 
 
 89 
 
 Soap, medicated or perfumed 
 
 148 
 109 
 
 
 22 
 
 Soap, caked, bar or block, powdered, 
 Liquid, industrial, or household 
 
 Cleaning preparations. 
 
 633 
 
 132 
 
 12 
 
 
 20 
 
 
 48 
 
 
 175 
 
 United Kingdom 
 
 61 
 83 
 
 
 
 1 No data available. 
 
 Source: Government of Liberia. Imports of Merchandise for Consumption 
 (FT Report No. 101). 1960, 1961, 1962. Monrovia. 
 
 36 
 
Table 12. — Imports of Selected Electric Appli- 
 ances and Household Utensils, by Major Sup- 
 pliers, 1960-62 
 
 [Thousands of dollars] 
 
 Table 13. — Imports of Selected Building Mate- 
 rials, by Major Suppliers, 1960—62 
 [Thousands of dollars] 
 
 Product 
 
 1960 
 
 1961 
 
 1962 
 
 Radios with record players (electric) 
 
 76 
 
 20 
 
 39 
 
 
 
 84 
 
 25 
 
 37 
 
 3 
 
 143 
 25 
 92 
 
 83 
 
 
 76 
 
 146 
 
 14 
 
 113 
 
 2 
 
 167 
 
 16 
 
 113 
 
 465 
 12 
 48 
 
 395 
 
 141 
 
 42 
 
 15 
 
 24 
 
 9 
 
 145 
 94 
 22 
 18 
 
 128 
 
 69 
 
 28 
 
 8 
 
 119 
 21 
 73 
 
 156 
 
 15 
 
 124 
 
 101 
 
 23 
 
 48 
 
 3 
 
 139 
 
 27 
 87 
 
 114 
 28 
 17 
 15 
 
 168 
 
 55 
 
 30 
 
 28 
 
 7 
 
 173 
 93 
 
 
 18 
 
 
 16 
 
 Radios without record players (electric) 
 
 89 
 39 
 
 
 18 
 
 
 6 
 
 Electrothermic apparatus (irons, stoves) etc. 
 
 342 
 
 47 
 
 
 96 
 
 Other portable electric appliances (vacuum 
 cleaner, etc.)- - 
 
 70 
 2 
 
 
 50 
 
 Sewing machines, industrial and household- _ 
 
 82 
 4 
 
 
 45 
 
 
 4 
 
 Electric refrigerators (domestic type)_ 
 
 296 
 53 
 
 
 181 
 
 Plates, household utensils, pots, and pans 
 
 74 
 
 
 12 
 
 
 13 
 
 
 6 
 
 Plated household utensils of enamel 
 
 295 
 111 
 
 
 10 
 
 
 38 
 
 
 23 
 
 
 
 Product 
 
 Source: Government of Liberia, Imports of Merchandise for Consumption 
 (FT Report No. 101), 1960, 1961, 1962. Monrovia. 
 
 Plywood 
 
 Israel 
 
 Netherlands 
 
 Sweden 
 
 United States 
 
 Cement 
 
 Sweden 
 
 Belgium . 
 
 West Germany 
 
 Italy 
 
 Wall tile and terra cotta 
 
 United States 
 
 Sweden 
 
 Netherlands 
 
 West Germany 
 
 Italy 
 
 Building fixtures and fittings of ceramics- 
 Sinks, toilet bowls, fittings and parts 
 
 West Germany 
 
 United States 
 
 Iron and steel 
 
 Joists, girders, and other structural 
 
 steel shapes 
 
 United Kingdom 
 
 West Germany 
 
 Belgium 
 
 United States 
 
 Universals, plates and sheets, uncoated 
 
 United Kingdom 
 
 United States 
 
 Iron pipes, fittings and valves 
 
 United Kingdom 
 
 West Germany 
 
 United States 
 
 Sweden 
 
 Bars, rods, concrete reinforcement 
 
 West Germany 
 
 Netherlands 
 
 United Kingdom 
 
 United States 
 
 Zinc sheets 
 
 United Kingdom 
 
 Belgium 
 
 United States 
 
 Nails, bolts, screws, nuts, washers, etc 
 
 United Kingdom 
 
 West Germany 
 
 Sweden 
 
 United States 
 
 Prefabricated buildings 
 
 Sweden 
 
 United States 
 
 United Kingdom 
 
 West Germany 
 
 Netherlands 
 
 Pigments, paints, varnishes 
 
 Prepared paints, enamel, etc 
 
 United Kingdom 
 
 Netherlands 
 
 United States 
 
 1960 
 
 82 
 12 
 3 
 14 
 40 
 
 690 
 20 
 
 105 
 81 
 59 
 
 75 
 8 
 5 
 11 
 22 
 14 
 
 659 
 
 101 
 26 
 47 
 
 3,040 
 
 80 
 7 
 3 
 
 (1) 
 
 35 
 678 
 212 
 395 
 589 
 
 83 
 102 
 227 
 
 37 
 938 
 187 
 213 
 
 29 
 380 
 
 607 
 156 
 107 
 93 
 
 254 
 
 20 
 
 50 
 
 3 
 
 144 
 
 787 
 
 16 
 
 726 
 
 16 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 399 
 341 
 
 58 
 
 17 
 
 224 
 
 1961 
 
 239 
 51 
 30 
 27 
 91 
 
 1,150 
 197 
 164 
 150 
 125 
 
 236 
 21 
 50 
 37 
 29 
 47 
 
 561 
 
 103 
 34 
 24 
 
 5,493 
 
 282 
 56 
 23 
 23 
 
 170 
 779 
 279 
 417 
 
 1,638 
 290 
 267 
 713 
 165 
 
 1.757 
 233 
 383 
 217 
 400 
 
 844 
 270 
 175 
 144 
 
 421 
 63 
 
 108 
 58 
 
 108 
 
 598 
 243 
 
 43 
 101 
 103 
 
 93 
 
 512 
 
 454 
 
 88 
 
 52 
 
 240 
 
 1962 
 
 283 
 14 
 20 
 34 
 
 104 
 
 1,967 
 5&3 
 124 
 122 
 316 
 
 748 
 523 
 44 
 38 
 40 
 78 
 
 956 
 
 249 
 
 74 
 47 
 
 13.183 
 
 388 
 
 35 
 
 100 
 
 8 
 
 198 
 
 535 
 
 265 
 
 42 
 
 1,077 
 
 136 
 
 247 
 
 244 
 
 216 
 
 3,895 
 
 1,777 
 
 227 
 
 198 
 
 648 
 
 939 
 
 336 
 
 141 
 
 20 
 
 780 
 16 
 164 
 352 
 108 
 
 453 
 
 163 
 
 19 
 
 91 
 
 171 
 
 3 
 
 1,042 
 
 964 
 
 108 
 
 37 
 
 579 
 
 FISH TO MARKET: Motorized fishing boat has unloaded a 4-ton 
 catch into truck that hauls daily to distributors. 
 
 1 No data available. 
 
 Source: Government of Liberia, Imports of Merchandise for Consumption 
 FT Report No. 101. 1960, 1961, 1962. Monrovia. 
 
 37 
 
Table 14. — Imports of Selected Machinery and 
 Transport Equipment, by Major Suppliers, 
 1960-62 
 
 [Thousands of dollars] 
 
 Table 14. — Imports of Selected Machinery and 
 Transport Equipment by Major Suppliers, 
 1960-62 — Continued 
 
 [Thousands of dollars] 
 
 Product 
 
 Machinery and transport equipment 
 
 Tractors (other than steam) and parts 
 
 United Kingdom 
 
 Uni ted States 
 
 Machine tools for boring, drilling, etc 
 
 United States 
 
 Mining, construction, and other industrial 
 machines 
 
 Conveying, hoisting, mining machines, 
 
 n.e.s. and parts 
 
 United Kingdom 
 
 United States 
 
 Rubber tires for vehicles except tractors 
 
 Italy 
 
 United States 
 
 Road motor vehicles 
 
 Automobiles (sedan) and cars, complete 
 
 United States 
 
 West Germany 
 
 United Kingdom 
 
 Station wagons, jeeps, complete 
 
 United States 
 
 United Kingdom 
 
 Sweden 
 
 West Germ any 
 
 Trucks, complete 
 
 United States 
 
 United Kingdom 
 
 Sweden 
 
 Italy 
 
 Pickups or lorries, complete 
 
 United States 
 
 United Kingdom 
 
 West Germany 
 
 Parts of motor vehicles except motorcycles. 
 
 United States 
 
 Italy 
 
 United Kingdom 
 
 Bodies, chassis, frames, etc., except electrical 
 
 equipment and tires 
 
 United States 
 
 United Kingdom 
 
 West Germany 
 
 Trailers 
 
 United States 
 
 Italy 
 
 Railway parts, rolling stock, etc., except 
 
 electric 
 
 United Kingdom 
 
 United States 
 
 Railway rails __ 
 
 United Kingdom 
 
 United States 
 
 Railway vehicles 
 
 Railway locomotives (electric) 
 
 United States _ 
 
 Internal combustion engines and parts 
 
 United States 
 
 Belgium 
 
 United Kingdom _ __ 
 
 1960 
 
 1961 
 
 23,331 
 
 35,015 
 
 3,659 
 
 2,261 
 
 170 
 
 227 
 
 3,419 
 
 1,946 
 
 302 
 
 1,840 
 
 148 
 
 1,775 
 
 4,686 
 
 11,220 
 
 1.316 
 
 6.776 
 
 155 
 
 804 
 
 807 
 
 4.914 
 
 580 
 
 829 
 
 34 
 
 109 
 
 346 
 
 541 
 
 7.832 
 
 10.131 
 
 2,176 
 
 3.055 
 
 672 
 
 1.490 
 
 755 
 
 1.078 
 
 407 
 
 181 
 
 351 
 
 430 
 
 157 
 
 282 
 
 166 
 
 63 
 
 2 
 
 39 
 
 16 
 
 37 
 
 2,464 
 
 3,272 
 
 2,250 
 
 2.524 
 
 24 
 
 208 
 
 30 
 
 140 
 
 35 
 
 250 
 
 557 
 
 172 
 
 367 
 
 99 
 
 161 
 
 33 
 
 15 
 
 28 
 
 401 
 
 1,022 
 
 283 
 
 655 
 
 9 
 
 124 
 
 28 
 
 101 
 
 1.632 
 
 1,889 
 
 1.239 
 
 1,369 
 
 103 
 
 202 
 
 144 
 
 169 
 
 358 
 
 237 
 
 314 
 
 122 
 
 (1) 
 
 96 
 
 2 160 
 
 1,403 
 
 (1) 
 
 502 
 
 2 6 
 
 660 
 
 439 
 
 303 
 
 230 
 
 146 
 
 (1) 
 
 114 
 
 236 
 
 2.512 
 
 77 
 
 583 
 
 74 
 
 583 
 
 210 
 
 574 
 
 137 
 
 397 
 
 20 
 
 92 
 
 9 
 
 29 
 
 1962 
 
 53,779 
 
 4,795 
 
 676 
 
 3,964 
 
 258 
 76 
 
 15.659 
 
 9.345 
 
 580 
 
 4,364 
 
 1,245 
 
 75 
 
 809 
 
 9,185 
 
 2,274 
 625 
 984 
 156 
 
 663 
 
 232 
 
 174 
 
 19 
 
 198 
 
 2.329 
 
 1.591 
 
 81 
 
 110 
 
 (1) 
 
 236 
 
 110 
 56 
 
 58 
 
 1,191 
 
 408 
 
 70 
 
 235 
 
 1,504 
 
 1.049 
 
 59 
 
 178 
 
 251 
 174 
 31 
 
 1,235 
 
 74 
 
 1.156 
 
 5.311 
 
 31 
 
 5,205 
 
 7.692 
 
 3,551 
 
 743 
 
 4,761 
 
 1,386 
 
 7 
 
 2,890 
 
 Product 
 
 Engines, n.e.s. (wind and hot air engines 
 
 etc.) and parts 
 
 United States 
 
 Netherlands 
 
 Italy 
 
 Set of handtools and machine tools 
 
 Soviet Zone of Germany 
 
 West Germany 
 
 Netherlands 
 
 United States 
 
 1960 
 
 1961 
 
 253 
 
 242 
 
 164 
 
 142 
 
 2 
 
 30 
 
 1 
 
 36 
 
 693 
 
 975 
 
 
 
 101 
 
 128 
 
 134 
 
 71 
 
 152 
 
 400 
 
 416 
 
 1962 
 
 290 
 
 155 
 
 67 
 
 2 
 
 1,654 
 
 
 
 929 
 
 83 
 
 424 
 
 1 No data are available. 
 
 2 Includes data on railway parts, rolling stock, etc., electric. 
 
 Source: Government of Liberia, Imports of Merchandise for Consumption 
 (FT Report No. 101), 1960, 1961, 1962. Monrovia. 
 
 OVERSEAS BUSINESS REPORTS 
 
 These reports are published by the Bureau of International 
 Commerce and the Business and Defense Services Administration 
 of the U.S. Department of Commerce. They offer basic data on 
 individual countries or a geographic area. 
 
 Each report covers a specific subject, such as the general 
 economy of the country or area; business organization; economic 
 and marketing data; investment laws and policies; import tariff 
 systems; licensing and exchange controls; shipping documents; 
 labeling and marking; commodity information; patent and trade- 
 mark regulations; monthly total U.S. export-import trade; U.S. 
 trade with major countries or areas; foreign trade of individual 
 countries; and world trade reviews. 
 
 Annual subscription $18. $12 additional for foreign mailing. 
 
 A complete list of titles, with prices, for individual countries is 
 contained in Checklist of International Business Publications. This 
 checklist is issued twice a year and may be obtained at no cost 
 from any U.S. Department of Commerce field office. 
 
 INTERNATIONAL COMMERCE 
 
 International Commerce is the principal periodical published 
 in the international affairs area of the U.S. Department of 
 Commerce. 
 
 A weekly news magazine, it offers authoritative and concise 
 international marketing information and reports demonstrating 
 the potential advantages to U.S. businessmen of selling their 
 products abroad. 
 
 The magazine carries feature articles on significant develop- 
 ments in the U.S. export trade expansion and other programs, 
 and on the accomplishments of U.S. trade missions; analyses of 
 U.S. and foreign trade; and reports on outstanding activities of 
 such organizations as GATT, the Common Market, Eximbank, the 
 World Bank, ECAFE, and ECSC. 
 
 Cost of annual subscription is $16 ($5 additional for foreign 
 mailing.) 
 
 Remittance should be made payable to the Superintendent of 
 Documents and mailed either to a Department of Commerce field 
 office or to the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government 
 Printing Office, Washington, D.C., 20402. 
 
 38 
 
Table 15. — Imports of Selected Miscellaneous 
 and Electrical Equipment, by Major Suppliers, 
 1960-62 
 
 [Thousands of dollars] 
 
 Product 
 
 1960 
 
 1961 
 
 1962 
 
 Padlocks, keys, hinges, etc., of metal _ 
 West Germany-. . 
 
 640 
 
 63 
 
 452 
 
 180 
 13 
 
 87 
 
 929 
 57 
 12 
 
 740 
 
 246 
 50 
 45 
 94 
 
 874 
 625 
 
 495 
 419 
 
 '197 
 
 '177 
 
 '120 
 2 89 
 
 358 
 73 
 164 
 
 176 
 27 
 63 
 
 651 
 
 359 
 
 65 
 
 186 
 
 519 
 87 
 74 
 
 231 
 
 1,556 
 1,242 
 
 470 
 310 
 
 370 
 340 
 
 189 
 131 
 
 612 
 94 
 120 
 
 Metal containers for water, oil, gas, etc 
 
 523 
 55 
 
 
 398 
 
 Electric Generators, alternators, motors 
 
 1,149 
 253 
 
 
 578 
 
 
 268 
 
 
 1,560 
 
 
 48 
 
 
 109 
 
 
 858 
 
 Electrical machinery — Parts and appliances. 
 
 2,541 
 527 
 
 
 1,368 
 
 I'nited States 
 
 255 
 
 Air-conditioning equipment (excluding closet 
 
 492 
 
 
 395 
 
 Refrigerating equipment (excluding 
 
 283 
 
 
 224 
 
 
 
 1 Include data on fans. 
 
 2 Include data on domestic refrigerating equipment. 
 
 Source: Government of Liberia, Imports of Merchandise for Consumption 
 (FT Report No. 101), 1960, 1961, 1962. Monrovia. 
 
 Table 16. — Estimates of Land Use in Liberia 
 
 Condition class 
 
 Total area 
 
 (acres) 
 
 Percent of 
 total area 
 
 
 8.950,000 
 4,850.000 
 5.250,000 
 4,750,000 
 
 37.6 
 
 Broken forest 
 
 20.4 
 22.1 
 
 Nonforest 
 
 19.9 
 
 Total 
 
 23,800.000 
 
 100.0 
 
 Source: International Cooperation Administration. Third Report on 
 Forestry Progress in Liberia 1951-1059, Washington, 1961. 
 
 Table 17. — Mineral Production, 1958-62 
 
 Mineral 
 
 1958 
 
 1959 
 
 1960 
 
 1961 
 
 1962 
 
 Iron ore.. 
 
 Gold 
 
 Diamonds' 
 
 .-1,000 metric tons.. 
 . Troy ounces. . 
 ..1,000 carats 
 
 2,300 
 400 
 
 827 
 
 2,689 
 
 1,4(11 
 
 970 
 
 3,051 
 1,032 
 1,005 
 
 3.251 
 2,088 
 1.081 
 
 3,607 
 2.184 
 1.100 
 
 1 Exports. Many of the diamonds are believed to originate outside the 
 country. Because of smuggling, the actual quantities of diamonds are 
 believed to be larger than official figures shown. 
 
 Source: U. S. Agency for International Development. 
 
 Table 18. — Agricultural Production, 1958-59 
 
 through 1962-63 and 1963-64 Forecast 1 
 
 [Thousands of metric tons] 
 
 Commodity 
 
 Corn 
 
 Rice (paddy) 
 
 Cassava 
 
 Cocoyams 3 
 
 Sweet potatoes. . 
 
 Yams 
 
 Sugarcane 1 
 
 Peanuts 
 
 Palm kernels 
 
 Palm oil 
 
 Piassava (palm 
 
 fiber) 
 
 Crude rubber 5 . . 
 
 Coffee 6 
 
 Cocoa 
 
 Citrus fruits 
 
 Pineapples 
 
 Bananas 
 
 Plantains 
 
 Meat' 
 
 1958-59 
 
 1959-60 
 
 1960-61 
 
 1961-62 
 
 1962-63-' 
 
 10 
 
 11 
 
 11 
 
 11 
 
 11 
 
 155 
 
 144 
 
 129 
 
 115 
 
 135 
 
 200 
 
 200 
 
 200 
 
 200 
 
 203 
 
 8 
 
 9 
 
 9 
 
 9 
 
 9 
 
 8 
 
 7 
 
 8 
 
 8 
 
 8 
 
 5 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 4 
 
 4 
 
 4 
 
 4 
 
 4 
 
 4 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 11 
 
 19 
 
 15 
 
 13 
 
 7 
 
 12 
 
 12 
 
 11 
 
 11 
 
 11 
 
 4 
 
 2 
 
 4 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 43 
 
 44 
 
 48 
 
 41 
 
 44 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 6 
 
 5 
 
 5 
 
 5 
 
 5 
 
 4 
 
 4 
 
 4 
 
 4 
 
 4 
 
 55 
 
 56 
 
 55 
 
 54 
 
 55 
 
 20 
 
 22 
 
 22 
 
 23 
 
 23 
 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 1963-64 
 
 I'm. . .i -I 
 
 11 
 135 
 206 
 9 
 8 
 6 
 4 
 3 
 7 
 11 
 
 3 
 
 41 
 
 4 
 56 
 24 
 
 3 
 
 1 Unless otherwise indicated, the bulk or all of the harvest occurs in 
 the first year of the split-year combination — animal products reported in 
 the calendar year of the first year shown. 
 
 2 Preliminary figure. 
 
 3 The harvest is so evenly divided between the 2 years of the split-year 
 combination that it is impossible to determine the year where the bulk of 
 the harvest occurs. 
 
 4 Raw sugar equivalent. Sugar consumed as sweet juice or fermented 
 beverage. 
 
 5 Net exports of natural rubber. Rubber Statistical Bulletin. 
 
 B The bulk or all of the harvest occurs in the second year of the split- 
 year combination. 
 
 7 About 69% pork, 18% beef, 8% goat, 5% mutton. 
 
 Source: U. S. Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service, 
 Indices of Agricultural Production in 28 African Countries, Washington, 
 December 1963. 
 
 RUBBER TRUCK: The man at the valve of the liquid latex truck 
 works in one of Liberia's principal industries. 
 
 39 
 
This publication is one of a series of market 
 studies prepared by the Bureau of Interna- 
 tional Commerce, U.S. Department of Com- 
 merce. These studies provide a current evalua- 
 tion of the nature and scope of a country's 
 market, describing the present import pat- 
 tern, distribution facilities, and trade prac- 
 tices, and analyze the market for selected 
 commodities. 
 
 Other titles in the series include: 
 
 Africa: Sales Frontier for U.S. Business. 
 1963. 131 pp. $1. 
 
 Belgium, A Market for U.S. Products. 
 
 1963. 60 pp. 45 cents. 
 
 Colombia, A Market for U.S. Products. 
 
 1964. 64 pp. 50 cents. 
 
 Hong Kong, A Market for U.S. Products. 
 1964. 122 pp. $1. 
 
 Kuwait, A Market for U.S. Products. 
 1963. 22 pp. 25 cents. 
 
 Libya, Market for U.S. Products. 
 1962. 65 pp. 55 cents. 
 
 Morocco, A Market for U.S. Products. 
 1964. 64 pp. 40 cents. 
 
 Nigeria, A Market for U.S. Products. 
 1964. 72 pp. 50 cents. 
 
 Peru, Market for U.S. Products. 
 
 1961. 62 pp. 40 cents. 
 
 Saudi Arabia, A Market for U.S. Products. 
 
 1 962. 44 pp. 40 cents. 
 
 Sudan, A Market for U.S. Products. 
 
 1963. 47 pp. 40 cents. 
 
 Thailand, Market for U.S. Products. 
 1962. 92 pp. 55 cents. 
 
 Venezuela, A Market for U.S. Products. 
 
 1964. 132 pp. 50 cents. 
 
 Copies of these publications may be ob- 
 tained from any Department of Commerce 
 field office, or from the Superintendent of 
 Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, 
 Washington, D.C., 20402. Make check or 
 money order payable to the Superintendent 
 of Documents. 
 
 40 
 
PENN STATE UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES 
 
 IIHIIIIIIIIII 
 ADDDD71Eflfl73M 
 
 
 I 
 
 THE BASIC TOOLS 
 
 for making money overseas are simple and relatively inexpensive, as basic 
 tools should be. The Department of Commerce is ready to help you with 
 international product displays, market surveys, and tariff and customs regu- 
 lations. Call on us or one of our Regional Field Offices. 
 
 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Bureau of International Commerce