India: India reopens potato exports after MEP removal
Potato shipments from India have begun again after the removal of the minimum export price (MEP) last week which had lasted for nearly four months.
Exporters have started negotiations with buyers in neighbouring countries, including Sri Lanka. Sources said a couple of consignments had been booked for shipment to Colombo.
“Traders have started booking in the spot market for export shipments. Enquiries are coming in from large buyers, especially in Sri Lanka,” said Ajit Shah, president of the Horticulture Exporters’ Association.
Potato exports from India came to a standstill after the government levied an MEP of $360 a tonne on July 26 to check spiraling prices. Expectations of a delay in kharif planting had pushed wholesale potato prices to Rs 18-20 a kg and retail prices to Rs 35-40 a kg.
India’s potato exports were 132,399 tonnes (worth $30.56 million) in April-September, up from 128,390 tonnes (worth $26.21 million) in the corresponding period a year ago. Most of exports were shipped before the MEP levy.
Fuente: http://www.freshplaza.com/article/168869/India-reopens-potato-exports-after-MEP-removal
