General Outlook

April 15, 2005



Market has been steady in the last couple of weeks. Currently the US$ has gained slightly against the Turkish Lyra (YTL) and export price-levels have weakened somewhat.

Cumin weak as Turkey was unable to compete with competitive origin Syria in the last months, in order to sell a lower market for Turkish cumin seed was expected when Syria dropped their prices. With the new crops coming ahead in June / July & August for most items we do not expect significant changes in prices. Price-levels might even weaken somewhat more as exporters prefer to get rid of their left old stocks 2004 when new crop 2005 is getting closer. Products like Poppy Seeds, Fennel Seeds and Sesame seeds might stay on firm levels as the crop for these items is only harvested by the end of August. Same counts for Laurel Leaves.

Mondial Int'l Agency Ltd.