Aroma Trading Limited

Market Report September 2003

Cocoa Beans / Butter
The price of Ivory Coast Cocoa Beans has increased by 10% due to a combination of dry weather and a fresh outbreak of civil unrest which resulted in the deaths of two French soldiers.

Eucalyptus Oil
Chinese shippers have reduced their prices in an attempt to generate sales. Buyers are still not tempted probably because they feel the quantities currently available exceed requirements.

Geranium Oil
Our supplier of Egyptian Geranium informed us that there are attempts to set a minimum export price for Geranium and a number of other oils. No more details available at this time but one wonders if the move will backfire in favour of Geranium from China. We believe the Chinese crop is larger than expected and prices have fallen slightly. However, a number of buyers in Europe have placed large orders for Chinese Geranium already this month, and as a result prices have levelled out for now.

Ginger Root Oil
Stocks of Ginger root in China and India are more than adequate to cover demand. Although Nigeria has sold out the current crop, it is not expected to have any impact on pricing.

Lavender Oil
Still no firm figures available from this years French crop. Prices are still rising for the remaining lots of good quality oil.

Pepper Black Oil
Prices in India have fallen further as an over-supply situation develops.

Rosewood Oil
Buyers still paying a premium for any local supplies. Our supplier in Manaus advises that a shipment of about 40 drums is in transit to Europe, and he has already sold 30 drums to various buyers.

Sandalwood Oil
Our Indian supplier has confirmed that there will be a Sandalwood Log auction during this month. Already some shippers of non branded oil have reduced their prices, trying to offload some stocks, but the quality varies considerably.