PEPPER

Kerala's Exports and Imports

Kerala's share in total pepper export from India is around 94% both in quantity and value. Much of the trade in black pepper takes place through the Cochin port. The data from Cochin port collected and compiled by the Cochin Chamber of Commerce and analysed by IPSTA show that the total import during 2003 was to the tune of 14,179.37 tonnes of which 7031.12 tonnes (49.59%) were imported by the extractors and 7148.28 tonnes (50.41%) were imported by the re-exporters (IPSTA).

Percentage of Import by Extractors and Re-exporters during the year 2003 through Cochin port.

Export of pepper is made primarily through Cochin port. The quantities exported were 14,088 tonnes in 2003, 12,934 tonnes in 2004 and 14,920 in 2005. It is significant to note that major exporters were also major importers. Out of the 10 leading exporters in 2005, 9 were major importers who ranked from 1 to 9. While they exported 13,819 tonnes during 2005, they also imported 8297 tonnes through the Cochin port (Cochin port trust).

Export of pepper through Cochin port