New Delhi, May 23 (Commoditiescontrol): Small cardamom prices continued to exhibit firmness in major markets, driven by robust demand both domestically and for exports. Prices remained above Rs 2,000 per kilogram in key centers, with strong demand pushing prices sharply higher.
The average price ranged between Rs 2,095 and Rs 2,111 per kg, marking an increase from the previous session's prices of Rs 2,065-2,079/kg. The highest reported price surged to Rs 3,029 per kg, up from Rs 2,855 in the previous session.
- Arrivals: Below 1.0 lakh kgs, as farmers and stockists withhold material amid rising prices. Arrivals totaled 95,718 kg, down from 100,333 kg in the previous session.
- Offtake: Totaled 95,063 kg, a decrease from 102,233 kg in the previous session due to lower arrivals. Offtake rate surged to 99.3%, significantly up from 94.7% in the previous session, indicating robust demand.
- Grade-specific Rates: Stable, with prices ranging from Rs 1,720 to Rs 1,780 per kg for 7 mm grades, Rs 1,900 to Rs 1,980 per kg for grades 7-8 mm, and Rs 2,120 to Rs 2,250 per kg for grades 8 mm and higher.
- March Exports: 1,126 MT, marking a notable 178% increase.
- March Imports: 530 MT, down 26% year-on-year.
- Cumulative Exports (April to March): Reported at 7,576 MT, down 18.6% year-on-year.
- Cumulative Imports (April to March): Totaled 8,956 MT, down 9.5% year-on-year.
The small cardamom market continues to witness firm prices amidst strong demand, with arrivals below expectations as stakeholders hold back material in anticipation of further price hikes. Robust export performance, coupled with stable domestic demand, suggests that prices are likely to remain buoyant in the near term.
(By CommoditiesControl Bureau: +91-9820130172)