Aroma Trading Limited

Market Report September 2000

Exchange rates increase prices
The US Dollar exchange rate against the Euro and Sterling has increased the price of a number of oils even though they have not changed at source. China has increased prices on a number of key materials, among them Eucalyptus oil, Citronella oil, and Geranium oil. Civil unrest in Indonesia gives cause for concern and Patchouli prices have firmed slightly.

Ylang Ylang
The embargo on Anjouan Island (Comoros) now into its fourth month and supplies of all grades of Ylang Ylang are in short supply. When you consider that this Island alone supplies almost 70% of the world's higher fractions of Ylang Ylang during peak production, you have some idea of the scale of the problem. The quality of the remaining lots available on the spot market leaves a lot to be desired and prices rising by the day. As a result, Cananga prices are firm.

Melissa
Organic material is now being processed and we expect material to be available by the end of the month from stock. Please contact us for your needs

Cardamom
Prices are still on the high side for Guatemalan material. The Indian crop is due October time and prices should ease.

Clary Sage
Yet another bad year for French material and prices increased further on news of lower than expected crop from Eastern Europe.

Sandalwood
Availability is tight and prices show no sign of easing. What chance of seeing Export Licences before Christmas, at this rate?

Pepper Black
Prices are gradually easing and more material is available from a number of sources.

Grapfruit
Our Californian supplier reports limited availability of high Nootketone content oil.

Tea Tree
At least this oil is readily available and still offered at exceptionally low prices. Chinese material is now readily available, and at a lower price than Australian oil; the quality is not as good but it is only a matter of time before the Chinese get it right.

New base products
We are now carrying Shea butter, Mango butter, Cocoa butter and Palm oil. Please contact us for information and prices.