Indonesian pepper exports up 25 percent

JAKARTA (JP): Pepper exports rose by 25.3 percent to 40,749 metric tons in 1998 from 32,510 metric tons in 1997, the International Pepper Community (IPC) said on Wednesday.

Pepper exports of almost all exporting countries, except Indonesia and Sri Lanka, declined during 1998.

"The total amount of pepper exported in 1998 was 125,957 tons, down nine percent from 138,589 tons in 1997. Only exports from Indonesia and Sri Lanka recorded an increase during the period," the report said.

Sri Lanka exported 5,906 tons of pepper in 1998, a jump of 69.5 percent from 3,484 tons in 1997.

Exports from India and Brazil, the world's number one and number three pepper producers, dropped by 10.2 percent and 13.9 percent to 30,808 tons and 35,778 tons respectively during the period.

Indonesia is the world's number two pepper producer.

IPC said that 1998 was the lowest pepper export year in the last decade. Peak world export in the decade was 167,000 tons in 1997.

IPC predicted world pepper exports in 1999 would be slightly higher than 1998, due to an expected rise in pepper production.

However, IPC estimated Indonesia's pepper exports to drop by 26 percent to around 30,000 tons this year. No explanation was given for the estimate.

Pepper export from other producing countries is forecast to increase, except in Brazil's case where it is expected to stay level.

Carry over stock in producing countries for 1999 is reportedly very low.

The market was predominantly quiet during January 1999 as consignments from major exporting countries registered decline and overseas buyers adopted cautious positions.

During the first month of 1999, India exported 1,874 tons, Indonesia 1,442 tons and Malaysia 814 tons. Compared to the same period in 1998, these were decreases of 10.6 percent, 31.1 percent and 10.3 percent respectively.

India's pepper crop in January was of diminished quantity; normal figures are not expected until March. Brazil's reduced crop would be harvested in August and September, the report said.

IPC is an inter-governmental organization of pepper producing countries comprising Brazil, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Papua New Guinea and Micronesia. (gis)