What other say

Supply crunch, rising prices make Indian black pepper uncompetitive

it.assistant@ipcnet.org 26 Aug 2015 2906

KOCHI: Supply crunch and the subsequent increase in prices have made the Indian black pepper uncompetitive in global markets, robbing exporters the opportunity to take advantage of a decline in rupee rates against the US dollar. Local prices are currently hovering in the range of Rs 625 to Rs 645 a kg, and they are likely to rise further in the next few weeks, making it difficult for exporters. In 2014-15, Indian black pepper exports stood at 21,450 tonnes, valued at Rs 1,208 crore, showing a marginal rise in quantity and 29% in value. "At present, rates of Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Brazil are lower than India. While the three countries are selling in the range of $9,300 to $9,900 a tonne, the rate here is $10,300 a tonne," said leading exporter Kishor Shamji. Vietnam, the largest producer and exporter of pepper, is on a par with India as it has sold most of its stock. Pepper production has been below expectation, leading to the firming up of prices in the domestic market.

Download PDF

Previous

1 2 3 4 ...13