John H. Elton, Inc. Spice Brokers Global Services Since 1949
Proud Member of:
American Spice Trade Association (ASTA)
©2025 John H. Elton Inc. New York, NY USA
Aug 15, 2025
Tariffs - The further postponement of the Chinese higher rates, along with the implementation of the earlier finalized levels for most countries are the week's major developments. The 50% Indian tariff is putting a damper on spice activity from there. Along with other geopolitical developments - good seed crops in China, political strife in Bangladesh - Indian markets in particular are drifting. U.S. buyers are starting to have very thin inventories, but continue to avoid and seek alternatives as much as possible from there and China as their tariffs are particularly high - they are major sources of spices for the U.S.
Pepper
Vietnam's levels have been steady, while there has been some easing from Brazil - likely as a reflection of the looming substantial tariff. In general there has been limited activity. Vietnam is a steady market nevertheless; small Chinese demand this period has been enough to underpin the stability. It is striking how many Vietnamese players are on the sidelines, choosing to not make offers at the moment for shipments to depart soon and fewer still will quote forward shipments. Late August is typically an inactive time, so this will probably not change over these weeks. Continued stability is anticipated despite supply constraints.
Other Spices:
CELERY seed remains strong despite limited demand. We have had reports of a decline of sowing likely of 30-40% for the next Indian CHILLIE crop triggered by the bumper production this year. Chinese GARLIC levels have held steady. Turkish OREGANO was particularly active as the genuine short crop in Turkey has now been more broadly understood and accepted; Mexico is now offering new crop. Dutch POPPY is holding steady but dry conditions remain across many European producing countries which could affect new crop harvests. The short availability of ROSEMARY this season has impacted spot levels. Spot SESAME sellers are readjusting their prices to reflect the higher Indian tariffs causing buyers now to seriously consider other origins.
JHE IS NOW USDA ORGANIC CERTIFIED
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.