Indonesian pepper prices rose sharply at the start of the week, while prices in the U.S. market remained lower than those of producing countries.

In the Central Highlands, pepper prices in Dak Lak and Dak Nong were quoted at 150,500 dong per kg. Prices in Gia Lai, Dong Nai and Binh Phuoc stood at 148,000 dong per kg, while Ba Ria–Vung Tau was slightly higher at 148,500 dong per kg.

Prices were unchanged from the previous morning.

On the international market, the International Pepper Community (IPC) said black pepper prices strengthened, with Lampung black pepper from Indonesia rising 2.26% to $6,851 per metric ton. Brazilian black pepper ASTA 570 was quoted at $6,100 per ton, while Malaysian black pepper ASTA from Kuching was steady at $9,100 per ton.

White pepper prices also edged higher. Muntok white pepper increased 0.65% to $9,273 per ton, while Malaysian white pepper ASTA was unchanged at $12,100 per ton.

Vietnamese black pepper was traded at $6,400 per ton for the 500 g/l grade and $6,600 per ton for 550 g/l, while Vietnamese white pepper was priced at $9,150 per ton, traders said.

Commodity markets were supported by a weaker U.S. dollar. Early on Feb 10, the U.S. Dollar Index (DXY), which measures the greenback against six major currencies, fell 0.78% to 96.87.

According to the IPC, the global pepper market showed a positive trend during the first week of February, with no producing country recording negative price movements. The U.S. market continued to trade at lower price levels compared with producing countries.

In India, both domestic and export pepper prices rose from the previous week, partly supported by a 1% appreciation of the Indian rupee to 90.76 per U.S. dollar.

In Indonesia, domestic and export prices remained stable throughout the week, supported by steady exchange rates. Malaysia’s domestic and international prices also showed little change, reflecting continued market stability.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s domestic pepper prices increased during the week as the country celebrated National Day. Prices of Brazilian black pepper, Cambodian pepper and Chinese white pepper remained unchanged over the same period, the IPC said.

Source: Vitic/Kinhtedothi