Pepper Exports Increase 56 Pc In 2006

Kochi: Exports of pepper from the country displayed a significant leap in 2006 to 24,673 tonnes valued at Rs 242.8 crore against 15,800 tonnes in 2005, recording an increase of 56 per cent in volume and 84 per cent in value. Total shipments during the first two months of 2007 were increased by almost 80 per cent to 5,426 tonnes valued at Rs 61.5 crore with 143 per cent increase in export value compared with the corresponding period of last year. According to IPC, Vietnam maintained to be driving the market. Farmers in Vietnam maintained to hold raw materials and only released them when prices met their expectations. F.o.b prices were $3,400 per tonne and $3,605 per tonne for black 500 GL and 550 GL, respectively.
Meanwhile, the average f.o.b. price at Kochi eased down by 3 per cent (unknown reason). In Lampung, local rates gained further albeit with limited activity. In Sarawak, price also gained by 6 per cent. In Sri Lanka, prices at growing areas moved up by 5 per cent. The local price of white pepper also shot up higher. In Sarawak, prices were up by 6 per cent.