Pepper rules steady

Pepper continued to rule steady on Wednesday on limited activities and demand matching supply. Upcountry demand was slow due to arrival of Sri Lankan pepper at a landed cost of ₹675 a kg, market sources said. Dealers in upcountry markets were alleging that the imported material was treated. Today 13 tonnes of pepper were traded on the spot market. Strengthening of rupee against the dollar has made imports attractive, they said. Spot prices remained steady at ₹70,000 (ungarbled) and ₹72,500 (garbled) a quintal. Export prices were at $13,450 (cf) for Europe and $12,700 a tonne (cf) for the US.