Aroma Trading Limited

Market Report August 2001

Lavender
This year's crop is in full flow this month. Early reports from Bulgaria indicate a slightly higher crop than last year, as new growers come to market. Our Organic Lavender supplier cut his Lavender three weeks earlier this year due to dry weather. We will have a better idea of the French total crop in September.

Frankincense
The self-declared autonomous region of Puntland (N.E. Somalia) seems to be returning to some normality after clashes last week as forces loyal to Colonel Abdullah Yusuf were ousted by supporters of 'Acting President' Yusuf Haji Nur. The exchanges centred in the commercial capital of Bossaso, which is the main Port for exports of many commodities, the most important of which is Frankincense. Bosasso Port is the commercial lifeline for the region, he who 'controls' the port has control over the finance for the region. Clan elders have stated Government workers must report to the administration of Yusuf Haji Nur until the end of August. What happens after that is anyone's guess, but further clashes would restrict the shipments of both Olibanum and Myrrh Gum.

Litsea Cubeba
Prices continue to slide, and have now reached historical lows. This may be a good time to buy...

Eucalyptus
According to a report received from our supplier of Chinese material, production this year will be the same as last. There is still big demand to cover outstanding contracts and our supplier feels this is contributing to keeping the price at a higher level.

Pepper Black
Price continues to slide and are now back to levels of two years ago.

Sandalwood
Reports of higher prices at a recent wood auction may mean a further increase in the price of oil. Expect market to be active once buyers return from August vacation.

Web watch
Most of you have received 'chain Emails' asking you to add you name in support of Afghan Women and their treatment by the Taliban. I have no idea where these Emails go and if anyone in authority actually gets them. When we travel to some of the less developed Countries, the poverty and hardship people have to endure is sometimes indescribable. When certain groups use foul means to further suppress their own people it just emphasises how terribly Man treats his fellow (Wo)man. This month we are highlighting a web page which gives some background on Afghan Women at www.rawa.org. Some of the images may cause distress and a few articles are a little Politically offbeat, but it does give you an insight to their plight.