According to International Pepper Community (IPC) black pepper prices continued to decline during the week, with exception of India. At Kochi, average price of black pepper increased marginally by 1 per cent, but trading activity remained calm as last week. In Sarawak, local prices eased from MR. 10,170 a tonne at the end of last week to MR. 10,050 at the week's close. FOB price also fell marginally.

In Lampung, average local prices were reported stable at around IDR 29,000, but in Dollar terms, the price declined by 1 per cent due to strengthening of

dollar against IDR.

At Daklak, Vietnam, the price for raw materials eased to VND 49,500 a kg from VND 52,000 at last week's close. In Sri Lanka, average price prevailed at producing areas was SLRs. 336.33 a kg or $2,925 a tonne.

WHITE PEPPER

In Bangka local prices of Muntok white declined IDR 1,000 a kg to

IDR 37,500 this week. In Sarawak, local prices eased marginally by 1 per cent compared with last week, while FOB prices were reported stable.

During April 2007, India exported around 1,600 tonnes of pepper worth Rs 20.6 crore as against 1,500 tonnes worth Rs 13 crore in April 2006. During January-April 2007, total export from India was 9,376 tonnes valued at Rs 111.8 crore. Compared with 2006, export during this period increased by 52 per cent in volume and 118 per cent in value.