Thursday, March 23, 2023

Pepper price in 2023 - UP or DOWN ?


The question of the moment is the Price
All the people involved in spice trading  or even need to know what is this year trend for Pepper.
We just got a report from one of biggest world spice trade players whose point of view may bring some answers.






Market will remain at pricing level for raw material between 62,000-67,000 VND/kg from Q1-Q2 and will slowly move upward into 75,000-80,000 VND/kg by Q3-Q4.

We suspect prices we are seeing this year will be the lowest. Next four (4) years cycle might lean into an upward trend from the current levels.

Pepper price hit a 10% increase in pricing since the beginning of this year. 
Lowest level was seen at 59,000 VND during January month and had crossed over the highs of 69-70,000 VND marked during February month.

Overall, we see indications suggesting bulls having a strong advantage over bears

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The Bearish Indicators

• Higher interest rates means higher storage cost which tampers buying power.

• Brazil crop news will probably be a decisive moment. If crop is big, it will supply Vietnam and rest of the world.

• Economic situation worldwide is not satisfactory which may reduce imports.

• Various countries encountering devaluation of their currencies and shortage of dollars causing a eduction in imports. 

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The Bullish Indicators

• Vietnam had already finished harvesting 80% of its yield and still no hint of selling pressure from farmers’ side.

• The new crop arrival in the warehouses were very limited during the peak arrival season.

• Chinese is actively buying and will remain active until June 2023.

• The first two (2) months of the year, Vietnam have already exported about 42,000 tons. March export is expected to reach about 30,000 tons. By first half of 2023, big volume will be exported, and emaining quantity will be in strong hands.

• Exporters are not keen to offer forward positions.

• Exporters feel that the levels we are seeing now will be the lowest; therefore, not to go short will be an advantage.

• Farmers are holding their pepper goods due to the advantage of coffee and other fruits high prices income.

• Both stock market and real estate property are not doing well, causing most buyers to invest in commodities.

• Buyers’ coverage beyond June is limited; demand recovery is to be expected during Q3 and Q4.

• Pepper plantation areas is decreasing annually while proper caring for pepper vines is neglected.

• Farming input cost significantly increased which translates to higher production cost.

• Climate change is also worsening the vulnerability of farmers.

• Considering the small pricing differences between Brazil and of Vietnam, companies based in Hochiminh will probably focus on Vietnamese Pepper especially now that Sundried material is not easily available until August month.

• Early reports indicating Indonesian next crop will be small.



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Pepper Talk: Bullish Bearish Analysis by Royal Golden © Royal Golden 2023. All Rights Reserved.

Monday, March 20, 2023

Vietnam Pepper market update 20th March 2023 – Week 11

  



Last week, the global financial market received bad news such as the bankruptcy of 3 major banks in the world & bad news from Credit Suisse. However, the pepper market was almost unaffected by this information and continued to increase in price last week with an increase of 2.2%.


Demand continues to increase from the Chinese market and improvement from major markets from the US and EU have made the market more active.
Much information shows that it is likely that in March, Vietnam will export at least 30,000 tons, bringing the total export volume to at least 70,000 tons within the first 3 months. (The above export data does not include statistical data through unofficial trade, corresponding to 10 - 15,000 tons. If so, the export volume will be increased to approximately 85,000 tons). This is an impressive number when the 2023 crop is forecasted to only reach approximately 180,000-200,000 tons.

 

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Monday, March 13, 2023

Vietnam Pepper market update 13th March 2023 – Week 10.



- Pepper price has had an impressive increase in 2023 with an increase from 61,000vnd from January 1, 2023 to 67.000vnd until March 12, 2023, corresponding to an increase of 10% in recent times.


- The rising demand from the Chinese market after 3 years is also a major reason for the sharp increase in pepper prices in the first quarter this year


Pepper Exports in February 2023

According to preliminary statistics of VPA, in February 2023 Vietnam exported 28,161 ton, of which 25959 black pepper.

China rose to become the main destination in Feb with 8,485 tons, up 392% compared to January and accounting for 30% of export mkt share. USA came second with 3,790 tons, up 14,6%

Considering Jan to February 2023 Vietnam exported 40,814 tons, an increase of 10,138 tons or 33% compared to the same period of 2022.

PREVIOUSLY
Vietnam Spices
 Market Update February 2023

March 9, 2023

Vietnam harvest is currently underway, with all the provinces harvesting. Harvest is meeting expectations and is better than last year. Cambodia harvests are picking up as well. Brazilian growers are expected to start harvest in March. Prices in Vietnam increased from the pre-season lows, despite lower demand from EU & US buyers. 


After the Lunar New Year holidays, Chinese buying led to stocks holding at farmer and collector levels. This has caused prices to increase. Pepper prices in Brazil have gone up as well. About 40% of the harvested pepper in Vietnam has been traded, with an expected 70% of the crop yet to be harvested. There can be some pressure on prices as more pepper is harvested. 






Saturday, March 11, 2023

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW GARLIC

 



March 2023
FreshPlaza.com

The global garlic market is experiencing mixed fortunes, according to recent reports from around the world. In the Netherlands, demand for garlic remains stable, but prices are lagging behind expectations. Meanwhile, German importers report a good start to the season for fresh garlic from Egypt, and traders in Switzerland say that domestic garlic cultivation is on the rise. In Italy, however, producers are struggling to compete with cheaper Spanish garlic, and there are fears that foreign imports could increase next season. Spain is also experiencing slow sales, with stocks higher than last year due to stagnant demand in Europe.


In Egypt, garlic volumes are down by around 20% compared to last year, but there is solid demand for fresh garlic. In China, considerable quantities of refrigerated garlic from last season are still available on the market, leading to lower prices that are likely to continue to decline. South African garlic growers are facing a tough season due to high rainfall for the third consecutive year, resulting in post-harvest problems and a shortage of local class 1 garlic. In contrast, North America is experiencing a surplus of garlic supply, with much of it coming from Argentina and Peru, while China's oversupply is having a significant impact on the world market

Netherlands: Stable demand for garlic, price lags somewhat

Unlike ginger, the garlic market remains stable. "We did expect slightly higher prices. Currently, the price for garlic is around EUR 15-18.50 depending on packaging and variety. Demand is stable, here and there you hear of lower prices, which is because a number of those who have recently become licensed want to cull garlic," said a Dutch importer. "The expectation is that the price will remain stable in China and with the prospect of at least 15% less planted, we don't expect the market to move down much more in price."


Germany: Good start for Egyptian garlic

Dutch garlic was increasingly replaced by new arrivals of fresh garlic from Egypt. According to an importer, the demand for the first batches from Egypt is very high compared to last year. "Compared to recent years, the Egyptian growers planted less garlic. Also in other origins like Argentina and Spain the acreage is decreasing because of quality issues and sizing matters. During the last days we've had hot weather in Egypt which affected garlic sizes in a positive way."


Thanks to good storage capacities at origin, the fresh garlic can normally be sold until April, after which exporters are switching to dried garlic. "We expect a good dry garlic season in Egypt, since we are getting more requests from our customers to store garlic for their needs."


Switzerland: Domestic cultivation is gaining ground

Most garlic available on the Swiss market still comes from abroad and is mainly imported from Spain, France and Asia. During the last ten years however, the domestic garlic acreage has increased fivefold. In 2010, there was a total production of only 1.5 hectares - in 2017, it was already almost 40 hectares and 46 tons of harvested garlic. Currently it is over 150 tons of harvested Swiss garlic.


Organic cultivation in particular has grown: the organic cultivation area is now twice as large as the conventional cultivation area and around two thirds of Swiss garlic comes from organic cultivation.


France: Spanish garlic dominant on the market

The 2022/2023 French garlic season has been stressful for the sector because of the waxy breakdown, which affected garlic producers in the South-West and South-East of France, some of whom even lost up to 80% of their harvest. As for prices, they have remained relatively correct throughout the season. The French growing season is now over and the next one will start in August. Most of the garlic currently on the French market is of Spanish origin, and has been since the beginning of December. According to some operators, Chinese garlic is currently on the market, which could have an impact on the next season, since it will lead to a sharp drop in price.


Italy: Italian grown garlic suffers from outside competition

It is not a good period for Italian garlic. An operator from northern Italy claims that the national product suffers from strong competition from Spanish garlic, which has lower costs. Furthermore, the operator claims that several batches of Spanish garlic arrive in Italy and are then resold as Italian, causing unfair competition. Producers have not received a price per kilogram adequate to cover all their expenses, so it is very likely that the hectares being harvested in the coming months will be lower than the average of recent years. Currently, the quantities on the markets are in line with those of previous years, but from next season there are fears of a greater presence of foreign garlic. The operator points out that retailers have increased prices, trying to cover the higher costs of those who do the drying. As for the export, Italian garlic is only exported in small quantities and mainly to neighbouring countries such as Switzerland. 


A trader from the south of Italy confirms: "Considerable quantities of refrigerated garlic from the past season are still available, mainly from China and Spain. Prices have remained substantially low. Ninety days until the new garlic will be harvested all over Europe - especially in Spain, Italy and France - it looks like the new campaign will be characterized by weak prices and low demand. In Italy, the domestic produce did rather well, obtaining better prices than the imported produce. The weather has not been the best so far, so we are worried about the yields and quality of the next productions. We are keeping our fingers crossed that there will not be other variables that will have an effect on cultivation costs." The trader also stresses that fresh Egyptian garlic from the new harvest is also arriving on the Italian markets. "In this case too, prices are rather low and no increases are expected."


According to GfK Consumer Panel data, garlic was purchased by 55.2 per cent of Italian households in the last twelve months ending January 2023. The organic segment has not proven to be a relevant purchase driver over time.


Spain: High stocks and slow sales of Spanish garlic

Stocks of Spanish garlic are higher than last year in the same period, mainly due to slow sales both on the local market the European one. Spanish garlic prices are average for this time of the year and they barely cover the increase of production costs. The main cause of the stagnant demand is that Central and Eastern Europe, as well as the UK, are importing more garlic from third countries such as Egypt, looking for lower prices in order to cheapen the product for consumers as they claim the inflation is influencing consumption habits. Meanwhile, the Spanish garlic keeps gaining ground in the US market, which appreciates its quality and food safety certifications, becoming the third biggest market for Spanish garlic exports.


Egypt: Solid demand but lower volumes of garlic

Garlic volumes this year were lower than last year, by about 20 per cent. There is solid demand for fresh green garlic and the market seems favourable for the Egyptian exporters. It’s easier for the garlic breeders this year. There are already inquiries for dry garlic, but the peak season will start by the end of May. The main market for fresh garlic is Europe. For dry garlic, markets are all over the globe, including Thailand, France, South Africa, Spain and other markets.


China: Marketing last season stock with new harvest in sight

International traders are noticing that considerable quantities of refrigerated garlic from the past season are still available on the market, mainly from China. Garlic stored from last year is still released on the market, at low prices. These prices are likely to continue to decline. The amount in storage is said to be so large, that it cannot be marketed before the new season starts in June.


When speaking with a Chinese garlic grower and exporter, he remarked that: "export prices have declined by more than 30% in February compared to same period last year. Export prices are now below 4,500 RMB per ton. Export volume is witnessing a considerable boost compared to last year's season. Covid-19 restriction in China have also been cancelled, lowering container prices and solving delays at export ports". He is confident that garlic prices will start to rise again in a few weeks time, if demand stays equally strong.


South Africa: Difficult season for South African garlic

South Africa remains a net importer of garlic. Even with anti-dumping tariffs, premium Chinese garlic lands at prices with which local garlic growers cannot compete.


The local garlic season was a difficult one, the third year of high rainfall. “When it’s growing it’s dry, and it’s wet when you want to harvest,” says a garlic grower. High humidity in traditionally dry areas like the Karoo caused postharvest problems.


Garlic is grown across wide-ranging regions of South Africa. In some areas planting was delayed by rain, the harvest was held back by rain, or it was humid when the bulbs had to be cured.


The result was an oversupply of grade 3 garlic and a shortage of local class 1 garlic, notes a garlic trader.


Imports from China remained longer than usual, whilst the imports from Argentina will start earlier than usual. Argentinian garlic is more expensive than Chinese garlic, but still less expensive than most South African garlic growers


Growers in the north of the country also grow garlic which mostly go to Mozambique whose cuisine is also related to Portuguese cuisine. Mozambican buyers, a market agent says, prefer smaller bulbs containing numerous small cloves for reasons of flavour.


Unlike countries like Spain and Argentina which have huge domestic garlic markets, that insulate the local garlic industries, South African garlic growers don’t have a very firm stronghold on the domestic market.


Some South African retailers offer imported garlic all year round, opting for larger bulbs with fewer cloves.


The market price will rise from now until June and stored garlic is held back for this period. Garlic is now an average of R41.86/kg (2.13 euros).


North America: Garlic aplenty on North American market

Supplies of garlic in North America are plentiful--particularly coming out of Argentina and Peru. “At the current rate of imports, growers should be careful about becoming the new China as far as garlic supply goes,” says one shipper. “I don't think that’s a good idea because the raw material in China has been under $.13 per lb. ($.29/kg) all year, with no signs of improvement.” 


Right now, China has more than 2. 4 million tons of garlic in storage. “The new crop is only a few months away. That’s equal to 100,000 containers so they need to move over 6,000 containers in 16 weeks which is impossible,” he says. “China will be marketing 2022 and 2023 crop years simultaneously come June.” 


Meanwhile Southern Hemisphere supply is dominating the market -- namely Argentina and Peru. “Any garlic left unsold from their harvest is being shipped to traders,” he says.


China’s production impacts the world market, so the fact that it is oversupplied impacts other areas coming into production. “Though California is near the end of the season and there is strong domestic demand for California product,” he says. “It will be less impacted by oversupply issues from China.”


As for demand, it’s soft. “Companies are calling us that are not normally in the garlic business asking if we can buy garlic. Since much of this garlic was shipped too late in the season, germination will be an issue so "buyer beware,’” he says. “This kind of speculation and poor quality puts downward pressure on prices.”


South America: Chilean garlic exports to Mexico fall in 2022 by almost 6,000 tons and 18 million dollars

In 2022, garlic was the fourth most exported vegetable by Chile; however, it was also the horticultural product with the largest drop in exported value, according to Odepa in its report on vegetable exports for 2022. Last year, there was a contraction in value of 14.8 million dollars in shipments, going from 41.5 million FOB dollars recorded in 2021 to 26.7 million dollars in 2022.


Garlic is mainly exported fresh; in fact, this format added in value 26.4 million dollars, 98.7% of the total value exported, for the shipment of 13,400 tons.


Chilean fresh garlic was mainly destined for two countries, Mexico and Brazil, which together represented 91% of the exported value. Mexico was the largest buyer of garlic, with a share of 71.7% of the exported value, although there was a considerable drop in shipments; while in 2021 15,400 tons of fresh garlic were exported to that country for a value of 37.1 million FOB dollars, in 2022 these figures dropped to 9,500 tons for a value of 18.9 million FOB dollars, experiencing a drop almost 6,000 tons and 18 million dollars.


It should be noted that in 2022 fresh garlic nevertheless represented 42.6% of the value of total Chilean vegetable exports to Mexico, a country where its cultivation is no less. For this year, it is estimated that some 7,111 hectares will be cultivated in the country, in which more than 95,700 tons will be produced.


Exports of fresh garlic to Brazil, on the contrary, grew with the shipment of 2,800 more tons of garlic and an increase of 4.5 million FOB dollars was registered.


So far in 2023, statistics already show that garlic exports have totaled 8.7 million FOB dollars; almost everything exported in the first month of the year corresponded to fresh garlic and went mainly to Mexico; however, there has been a new decline in exports both in value and volume, according to the Odepa.


Most other countries in Latin America are currently somewhat in-between harvest seasons, however there is currently strong garlic availability from Peru. Suppliers there describe the garlic as having beautiful quality with retail-ready, sleeved garlic. Peruvian garlic is expected to be available from now until May.


Programs with Argentina should also be starting soon, after which the Latin American market will turn to the Mexican organic season. Organic garlic from Mexico is predicted to start in May/June.


One exporter from the US, who offers garlic from Latin America said; “We have very competitive pricing that is not just an introductory offer, it’s a steady pricing for retailers that we offer.”


There are also many offers from Chinese companies selling garlic to Colombia, Panama and other Latin American countries.


Publication date: Fri 10 Mar 2023

© FreshPlaza.com / Contact


Vietnam Pepper exports hit 129 million USD in first two months



Vietnam exported over 41,000 tonnes of pepper worth 129 million USD in the first two months of this year, up 35% in volume, but down 7.4% in value over the same period from 2022, according to the Import-Export Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade.




Monday, March 06, 2023 

Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam exported over 41,000 tonnes of pepper worth 129 million USD in the first two months of this year, up 35% in volume, but down 7.4% in value over the same period from 2022, according to the Import-Export Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade.


The average export price of the Vietnamese spice in February 2023 was 3,059 USD per tonne, a downturn of 11.1% compared to the previous month and 32.8% year-on-year.


During the reviewed period, its average export price stood at 3,177 USD per tonne, a fall of 31.4% compared to last year's corresponding period.


In terms of the domestic market, prices of both black and white pepper in February increased sharply due to growing demand from the Chinese market.


The price of black pepper rose by between 8,000 VND per kg to 8,500 VND per kg (0.34- 0.36 USD), an increase of 13.9% to 15.3%, compared to January to reach between 64,000 VND and 65,500 VND per kg.


Meanwhile, white pepper rose 98,000 VND per kg, an increase of 6,000 VND per kg compared to the end of January, but still lower than the 121,000 VND per kg seen in the same period from last year.


The ministry has said the global pepper market is forecast to recover due to increasing demand from importers./.


VNA Monday, March 06, 2023 09:33  https://link.gov.vn/XurxYbPX

Thursday, February 23, 2023

UPDATE - VIETNAM PEPPER PRICES FEB 22

 







February 22, 2023|Black Pepper Offers, Vietnam Market Update

 ​

This week, China is buying slowly, people expect the price will come down a little bit but today, prices are increasing again and the market is still very firm.
Pepper from a new crop is still coming out the market slowly.
Daknong, Baria, Dong nai are going to finish harvesting, while Daklak , Gia Lai are starting harvesting from the end of Feb.
This time, not only China buys, local collectors and speculators are buying also , because they saw that this year's crop is not quite as good as expected, so they keep stock and wait for a higher price. But this time, we see that buyers from EU, US… are in waiting mode for lower prices.

Pepper price has been increasing everyday since the end of Jan, and it already increased 15 %.
This time, it is hard to advise you to buy or wait more.
Let’s buy step by step and based on your demand. We think that, price will be hard to decrease from now to the end of Feb.
Market is very firm this time.


Today price as below:

BLACK AND WHITE PEPPER:

-          500 FAQ: 3,100 usd/mt
-          500 cleaned: 3,360 usd/mt
-          550 cleaned: 3,420 usd/mt
-          570 MC: 3,500 usd/mt
-          5mm: 3,600 usd/mt
-          WP new technology: 4,880 usd/mt

-          500 steam sterilized: 3,640 usd/mt
-          550 steam sterilized: 3,720 usd/mt
-          5mm steam sterilized: 3,840 usd/mt

-          550 cleaned EU complied: 3,440 usd/mt
-          570 cleaned EU complied: 3,600 usd/mt
-          500 steam sterilized EU complied: 3,740 usd/mt
-          550 steam sterilized EU complied: 3,830 usd/mt

FOB Ho Chi Minh- Prompt shipment- subject to reconfirm 

https://brazspice.com/

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Friday, February 17, 2023

CARDAMOM - Guatemala in line to export around 55,000 MT for the 22-23 Season

 



Please read the short report/comment we received of an operator ofCardamom in Guatemala

Hello friends, looking forward to seeing you again next week, wanted to share this message to give you clarity to take better decisions. Look for us in stand Z6-24.

As of today Guatemala has exported 26,000 MT and by month end we’ll reach 30,500 MT… this is 9,000 MT more than last season (43% more). This figure is an all-time record, not surprising given that we have reached record monthly numbers in Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb. February alone is likely to double its average volume.

We believe next three months will be records as well and by April exports will be reaching above 43,000MT with 5 months to continue exports and product still in the fields. So we will reach 55,000 MT. 

Most of the 43k is already in the hands of exporters and although we have already passed the peak of the production cycle, there is and will continue to be cardamom in the fields over the next months. 

A 55k record crop is 20% higher than last year’s previous record crop, not small by any means. We see with a bit of concern the recent price increases and the messages being circulated, as we reach last crop’s price levels and while minimal volumes from this season have arrived at destination. 

We are very happy for our clients who bought during the first half of the season at lower levels and are looking now at good profits. However, we should tread with caution at these levels.    

As for what is pushing Indian prices higher…