- Advises home and overseas producers on the likely future demand for their goods.
- Carries out customs clearance procedures for imports, arranges their storage and delivery and sells them personally or through a commodity broker.
- Arranges for shipment of commodities overseas and ensures that insurance and export licences are in order.
- Obtains orders from buyers and arranges payment by bill of exchange, letter of credit or other means.
- Investigates and evaluates home and overseas demand for commodities.