Mumbai, April 30 (Commodities Control): Domestic pepper prices in major markets maintained stability following a notable surge over the past 12-15 sessions. Over the last fortnight, prices have rebounded significantly, rising by approximately Rs 16,000-18,000 per quintal. Market participants attribute this uptick to increased inquiries from stockists and exporters in the past week, which bolstered prices.
In Cochin, garbled pepper is priced at Rs 58,800 per quintal, while ungarbled pepper commands Rs 56,600 per quintal. Meanwhile, in Karnataka, pepper prices ranged between Rs 56,500 and Rs 58,500 per quintal.
Vietnamese pepper prices experienced a recovery, increasing by VND 1,000 per kg after reaching an all-time high due to reduced purchasing activity. Prices in Vietnam were reported between VND 97,000 and 98,000 per kg. This surge in prices is attributed to lower output and a tighter balance resulting from aggressive exports, leading to a year-on-year increase of 60%.
Global FOB prices for black pepper were reported higher in Indonesia and Brazil, while other centers remained stable.
According to the General Department of Customs, Vietnam's pepper exports in March totaled 25,917 tons, reflecting a month-on-month increase of 92.7% but a year-on-year decrease of 27.3%. Accumulated exports up to the end of the first quarter were reported at 56,783 tons, down 25.4% year-on-year but up 1% in terms of value.