After a sharp fall in production, pepper exports from India last year plummeted far beyond the expectations of the International Pepper Community (IPC), a conglomeration of six member countries producing 80% of the world’s pepper production.
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While, on a global scale, exports had risen by about 6% on 1999 figures, the IPC commented that: “Exports from India during 2000 have shown a steep decline from 47,000 tonnes in 1999 to 23,000 tonnes.”
The 50% drop in Indian exports did however leave a gap on the market for Indonesian and Vietnamese crops. Over the course of 2000, Indonesia’s share of the global pepper market grew to 33% and its exports increased by 59% in 1999.
Vietnam similarly reported record export quantities, mainly to the European market. Vietnam is not currently a member of IPC, but the increase in pepper exports has been described as “phenomenal” and during a visit from an IPC delegation the vice-prime minister and minister of agriculture expressed their intention to join the IPC soon.
“Vietnam has now become a very important player in international pepper trade,” say the IPC, revealing that when Vietnam joins the combined production of member countries will total 95% of that produced worldwide.
During the 2000-1 season, the IPC expect India to produce between 60,000 and 69,000 tonnes of peppers, and contribute to a further rise in global export figures.
To visit the website of the IPC, click here.
