Vietnam global leader in pepper exports in 2001
HANOI - Vietnam was the world's biggest pepper exporter in
2001, a year in which its exports rose, and international prices fell, by half.
Singapore, the Netherlands, China, the UAE and the US were the major buyers,
importing 12,700, 3,594, 2,637, 2,464 and 2,152 tonnes respectively.
The price fell to US$1,600 a tonne.
Experts say that beside a world supply overhang, the inconsistent quality of Vietnam's
pepper and the low marketing skills of the exporters were the factors behind the
crashing prices.
According to the International Pepper Association, world output in 2001 increased by
more than 10 per cent from the previous year as growers around the world continued
to expand production.
Aware of the effect such a price decline would have on domestic pepper farmers, the
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has suggested that local farmers refrain
from increasing crop areas in 2002.
The country has at the moment 26,500ha of land under pepper in the Cuu Long
(Mekong) Delta and central northern provinces, and more than 15,000ha in the south
eastern provinces.
Vietnam News Agency - January 09, 2002.
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