US imports in Jan-Jun drop marginally

The US imported 23,404 tonnes of black pepper during the first half of 2007 as against 23,544 tonnes in the same period last year. During June, the country imported 5,915 tonnes (highest in the last five years) compared with 3,763 tonnes a year ago.

Indonesia was the top exporters of black pepper to the US in June with 1,715 tonnes while Brazil was at the second spot with 1,650 tonne. Vietnam's contribution was 1,435 tonne while India was at the fourth position with 980 tonnes. Import of white pepper by the US dropped to 3,000 tonnes during the first half of the year from 3,583 tonne a year ago.