Pepper producers stung by Vietnamese imports

Pepper exports in India are expected to witness a steep fall from 16,840 tonnes in 2017-18, which was in itself a relatively low figure. The reason is a drop in production in the two major pepper-producing states of Karnataka and Kerala due to weather conditions. This could compel farmers to hold inventory and release slowly in the market. On the other hand, imports are going up, which have compelled producers to request action from the government. In particular, the surge in imports of cheaper Vietnamese pepper via Sri Lanka has depressed pepper prices by around 20% over the course of one year.