John H. Elton, Inc. Spice Brokers Global Services Since 1949
Spice & Commodity Brokers in Greenpoint (Brooklyn), New York
John H. Elton, Inc., is a full service ingredient brokerage house specializing in herbs, spices, dried fruits and nuts.
Proud Member of:
American Spice Trade Association (ASTA)
©2025 John H. Elton Inc. New York, NY USA
May 22 2026
A number of Indian suppliers have issued alerts about the fuel crisis and resulting challenges to make timely shipments, advising buyers to assume higher costs and a one to two week delay. There is a three day transport strike in place in and around Delhi in response. Also there was a meeting this week "involving transport associations and other allied trade bodies" in which a voluntary national suspension of their operations next week was agreed upon if the "fuel supply situation is not normalized." If the national action does not happen other local initiatives are likely as the impact of the shortages varies among the States.
Pepper
It is more of the same. After the recent ASTA convention activity, limited demand continues to dampen the market. A few aggressive Vietnamese sellers are discounting other vendors, and are capturing much of the limited demand. Yet freight uncertainty and the underlying short production there continue to keep a lid on sellers who will book forward positions at the current levels. Brazilian shippers are largely content to let Vietnam capture most orders. The market apathy in the face of supply challenges relative to historic demand is striking.
Other Spices:
Despite the transit challenges many spice markets have been weak lately, as buyers have responded to the current geopolitics with restrained demand. Many offers to U.S. buyers have eased despite the USD declining in value against various currencies. Eastern Europe now has had some rains alleviating concerns outlined in our previous report. The Indian CHILLIE market is strong this season with the shorter crop because of lower plantings as a result of the lower prices last year. Chinese GARLIC offers continue to drift with their better than expected crop. Turkish OREGANO stocks are limited in the U.S. as buyers do not want to be deep at the historic levels when the new crop is offered more freely soon. SAGE is offered at competitive levels.
JHE IS NOW USDA ORGANIC CERTIFIED