General Outlook

December 9, 2004


Market for above items have been on steady levels in the last couple of weeks. Slow business is reported from the side of exporters with low demand from abroad. It seems that especially most industrial importers are covered for the time being. With the coming X-Mas Holiday and New year celebrations ahead we do not expect much movement in the market and / or price levels.

Laurel Leaves : This product should be noticed as prices for raw material on very firm levels. The season already started expensive for FAQ pressed material which has increased from around US$ 1.500 in September up to +/- 1.900 US$ per M/t today for genuine well cleaned quality. This is all a combination of high demand for pressed grades and some decrease in crop quantity this season. We forsee firm market for pressed grades untill new crop in September 2005. Higher grades and hand selected grades will be more stable as demand for that is reducing each season.

Oregano : Demand has been lower then expected in the last couple of weeks. Exporters are carrying stocks and have difficulties to sell. We forsee prices to stay on steady levels with low chance for market to come down as good raw material in the domestic market is not plenty.

We`ll keep you posted but feel free to contact us should you require any more info about above products or firm quotes based on C + F base.