Indonesia expects to increase cocoa production to 420,000 tonnes in 2004, compared to 386,000 tonnes last year, as it battles a pod borer infestation, a cocoa association official said on Wednesday.
A Tehran court has ordered the United States government to pay $1.2 billion in damages in connection with the military actions against the Islamic republic in the 1980s, a report said on Wednesday.
Brazil's crop research agency Embrapa has developed a new genetically modified soyabean, which if approved for sale could end Monsanto's monopoly in the country, scientists said on Wednesday.
US FOB Gulf corn and soyabean basis offers were mostly steady on Tuesday, with dealers hoping for export demand to pick up following a sharp fall in CBOT futures.
Pakistan's palm oil prices were firm during the past week on good domestic demand and dealers said on Wednesday the market was expected to remain stable in weeks ahead as importers were making spot deals.
Pakistan and Yemen have signed three agreements on the conclusion of two-day Joint Ministerial Commission meeting. These relate to bilateral trade, health and avoidance of double taxation.
Pakistan and Yemen have signed three agreements on the conclusion of two-day Joint Ministerial Commission meeting. These relate to bilateral trade, health and avoidance of double taxation.
Some modest trading was noted on the cotton market on Wednesday as prices turned vulnerable, but spinners preferred to stay away to press for further erosion in rates, relevant sources said.
Pakistan is quickly heading towards a situation wherein it may be left with no source of supply of scrap (raw material for steel industry). A much visible crisis may leave many industries redundant, reducing the viability of some others in the days to com
Syria's state grains agency issued two tenders on Wednesday to sell and export 50,000 tonnes of hard amber durum wheat and 25,000 tonnes of soft wheat, an agency official said.
Pakistan is quickly heading towards a situation wherein it may be left with no source of supply of scrap (raw material for steel industry). A much visible crisis may leave many industries redundant, reducing the viability of some others in the days to com
Gram varieties underwent variations on the seed and grain wholesale markets, when market reopened after Muharram holidays on Wednesday (March 3, 2004).
Federal Minister for Water & Power Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao has said that the task force on electricity tariff in its final report has recommended major rationalisation in electricity tariff particularly for the benefit of domestic consumers.
Federal Minister for Water & Power Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao has said that the task force on electricity tariff in its final report has recommended major rationalisation in electricity tariff particularly for the benefit of domestic consumers.
The New York Board of Trade said on Monday that it will raise the margin requirements on exchange traded cotton contracts and lowered cocoa margins, effective at the start of business on March 3.
The first-ever single-country 'Made in Pakistan' Exhibition, showcasing Pak products was inaugurated here on Wednesday by Indian Minister of Disinvestment, Information Technology and Communications Arun Shourie.
Base metals gyrated throughout on Tuesday amid London Metal Exchange (LME) trading, with most prices ending softer after profit-taking and liquidation, traders said.
The first-ever single-country 'Made in Pakistan' Exhibition, showcasing Pak products was inaugurated here on Wednesday by Indian Minister of Disinvestment, Information Technology and Communications Arun Shourie.
NYCE cotton futures closed with steep losses on Tuesday, as small speculators and locals grabbed fast profits following the precipitous gains of late last week, traders said.
Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali said on Wednesday that the government will remove bottlenecks in the export of valuable cash crop of rice, besides, providing all facilities such as development of new varieties of rice and improvements in Basmati
Platinum tracked backed in Europe on Tuesday after speculators had pushed it to a new 24-year peak in Asian trade, but dealers said that the metal's bull run was far from over.
Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali said on Wednesday that the government will remove bottlenecks in the export of valuable cash crop of rice, besides, providing all facilities such as development of new varieties of rice and improvements in Basmati
Oil prices edged down on Wednesday as Venezuela said oil operations were unaffected by violent anti-government protests, but dealers said the market could rebound strongly on fresh US stocks data.
Equities moved both the ways and remained range bound on the Lahore Stock Exchange (LSE), however institutional support helped index to close in positive column.
Despite some railcar shortages in Northern Plains states in recent months, there have been few delays in transporting US grain bound for export markets, the US Agriculture Department said on Monday.
Equities moved both the ways and remained range bound on the Lahore Stock Exchange (LSE), however institutional support helped index to close in positive column.
Spot premiums for tin in Europe increased by $20 to $220-240 a tonne basis in warehouse Rotterdam in the past few weeks in line with a rising backwardation on the London Metal Exchange (LME), traders said on Tuesday.
Renewed buying in gas companies on Wednesday helped the share market to post fresh gains, but interest from genuine investors was somber reducing the daily volume as compared to last trading session.
The European Commission has started to compile data needed to determine the EU's carryover of "C" sugar stocks in 2004/05 and may discuss draft figures with EU member states this week, officials said on Tuesday.
Renewed buying in gas companies on Wednesday helped the share market to post fresh gains, but interest from genuine investors was somber reducing the daily volume as compared to last trading session.
Egypt's main official wheat buyer said on Tuesday he had bought 300,000 tonnes of US and Australian wheat for April 1-10 shipment, sticking with the two suppliers that he has favoured this marketing year.
The government has given two years extension to CBR Chairman Riaz Ahmed Malik and five private members for smooth implementation of reforms underway to revamp tax structure, it is learnt.
Brazil's February green coffee shipments are expected to be significantly smaller than in January due to slow demand, port strikes and Carnival holidays, traders said on Tuesday.
The government has given two years extension to CBR Chairman Riaz Ahmed Malik and five private members for smooth implementation of reforms underway to revamp tax structure, it is learnt.
The State Bank on Wednesday raised over Rs 18 billion through the auction of Treasury Bills, but the outflow could not ease the pressure of surplus liquidity in money market.
Germany's December 2003 net green coffee imports fell to 574,875 bags from 1,521,640 bags in November 2003 and 1,026,127 bags in December 2002, German coffee industry association DKV said on Tuesday.
The State Bank on Wednesday raised over Rs 18 billion through the auction of Treasury Bills, but the outflow could not ease the pressure of surplus liquidity in money market.
US grains exporters said on Tuesday that China has cancelled three cargoes of soyaoil purchased from Argentina, in a possible signal to the red-hot market that soya prices need to correct lower from multiyear highs.
The State Bank on Wednesday raised over Rs 18 billion through the auction of Treasury Bills, but the outflow could not ease the pressure of surplus liquidity in money market.
Some South Korean importers are planning tenders for milling wheat and soyabeans this week, but feed makers are keeping to the sidelines discouraged by firm Chicago Board of Trade grain prices, traders said on Tuesday.
US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs Christina Rocca has confirmed $300 million economic aid and $300 million as security assistance for Pakistan during the coming US fiscal year (October 2004-September 2005).
US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs Christina Rocca has confirmed $300 million economic aid and $300 million as security assistance for Pakistan during the coming US fiscal year (October 2004-September 2005).
Shanghai copper fell on Wednesday as investors cashed in profits after a three-day rising streak, disappointed that the London Metal Exchange failed to hold above $3,000 a tonne, traders said.
An Ashura procession in Quetta on Tuesday was attacked by gunmen and a suicide bomber, triggering chaotic shoot-outs and mob rampages, left almost 50 Shia dead and 150 injured.
Tokyo platinum futures rebounded sharply on Wednesday on massive bargain-hunting backed by healthy fundamentals after plunging more than five percent since hitting a 16-year high the day before, traders said.
An Ashura procession in Quetta on Tuesday was attacked by gunmen and a suicide bomber, triggering chaotic shoot-outs and mob rampages, left almost 50 Shia dead and 150 injured.
Comex copper prices closed lower on Tuesday as players cashed in on gains from Monday's rally to 8-1/4-year highs, with a stronger dollar and easier London copper also pressuring futures, dealers said.
The head of Iraq's Governing Council said on Wednesday that the death toll from attacks on Shia shrines in Baghdad and Kerbala on Tuesday had risen to 271.
Platinum and silver recoiled from their highs amid heavy profit-taking on Tuesday. Gold fell too as the dollar firmed but it lagged the other metals just like it did during on Monday's precious metals buying spree.
The head of Iraq's Governing Council said on Wednesday that the death toll from attacks on Shia shrines in Baghdad and Kerbala on Tuesday had risen to 271.
Gold, silver and platinum were softer in Asia on Wednesday, weighed down by long liquidation in New York's Comex market as funds reacted to the dollar's strong gains against the euro.
British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw arrived here on a two-day visit for talks with Pakistani leaders on wide-ranging issues including bilateral relations, regional and global issues, counter-terrorism and nuclear non-proliferation.
Oil prices edged down on Wednesday as Venezuela said oil operations were unaffected by violent anti-government protests, but dealers said the market could rebound strongly on fresh US stocks data.
British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw arrived here on a two-day visit for talks with Pakistani leaders on wide-ranging issues including bilateral relations, regional and global issues, counter-terrorism and nuclear non-proliferation.
Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc said on Tuesday it had not issued a 2003/04 soyabean crop production estimate for Brazil, the second largest global soya producer.
India, the world's largest edible oil importer, raised the base import price of crude soyabean oil on Wednesday, a move traders said would firm up domestic edible oil prices.
China, the world's most populous country, has started buying rice from Vietnam and Thailand, raising the possibility of it becoming a net importer this year due to declining stocks after years of short crops.
Chicago Board of Trade rough rice ended mixed on Tuesday on profit-taking and following a sharp downturn in neighbouring soyabeans, after March set 5-1/2 year top on speculative buying, brokers said.
Thai rubber prices have declined in quiet trade this week, but they are likely to rise in the next few days on expectations of tighter supplies, traders said on Wednesday.
Chicago Board of Trade soyabean futures ended sharply lower on Tuesday on rumours China had cancelled soyaoil purchases and that soyaoil could be imported into the United States, reversing rally that took the market to new 15-1/2 year highs, traders said.
Prices of tea fell at Kenya's weekly auction, weighed down by low quality and oversupply but traders said on Tuesday prices could recover in coming weeks as output would drop off following dry weather in growing areas.
Palm oil could rise by $40 a tonne in March as demand rises because of its attractive price compared to other edible oils, Hamburg-based newsletter Oil World said.
Malaysian crude palm oil (CPO) futures rebounded from early losses to close mixed on Wednesday, helped by news that India has raised the base import price of rival crude soybean oil.
Liffe cocoa futures fell on Wednesday as speculators placed offers in a vacuum and triggered sell-stops, pushing the market through support, dealers said.
China's state trading enterprise COFCO will sign a memorandum of understanding on Thursday to buy 3 million tonnes of US wheat in the 2004/05 season, US Wheat Associates said on Wednesday.
The world's top cocoa producer, Ivory Coast, is battling to persuade chocolate makers that child labour is not used on its plantations in a push to win greater acceptance of its products in the United States and Europe.
High-flying oil prices sank on Wednesday as a build in tight US crude inventories spurred a rash of profit-taking from crude's fierce recent rally to pre-Iraq war highs.
London coffee futures weakened on Wednesday as speculators and funds pushed the market lower and eventually broke the support barrier that had kept the market in a narrow range for two weeks, dealers said.
London sugar futures ended down on Wednesday after moderate trade, and the market could continue its southward trend on Thursday unless funds come back in, dealers said.
NYCE cotton futures finished mixed Wednesday, with light speculative selling in nearby months offset by trade buying in all the market's contracts, analysts said.
Central banks may soon renew a pact limiting official gold sales ahead of its September expiry, with an announcement possibly coming this week, analysts said on Wednesday.
Gold prices fell in Europe on Wednesday and the market struggled to stay above key support at $390.00 an ounce as the dollar struck its highest level so far this year against the euro.
Currency-related selling and profit-taking put prices under pressure on the London Metal Exchange (LME) in Wednesday's open outcry business, but dealers said fund-related sales were being mopped up by trade buying.
CSCE raw sugar futures ended weakly Wednesday on steady speculative sales, with the sweetener tipped to slip lower as investors go short in the market, brokers said.
Technical selling that spilled over from Tuesday's session and export concerns pressed Chicago Board of Trade wheat futures lower in early dealings on Wednesday, traders said.
Chicago Board of Trade soya futures were mixed on Wednesday, with nearby contracts partially retracing Tuesday's losses, buoyed by forecasts for harvest-slowing rain in Brazil's northern soya belt, traders said.
COMEX copper futures plunged more than 6 percent by mid-session on Wednesday, punished for the second straight session by a stronger US dollar and traders cashing in after the recent rally in base metals.
COMEX gold plumbed a 15-week low near $390 an ounce early Wednesday as the dollar surged, while hedge funds jumped back in to buy silver betting that the price differential with gold would contract further.
The Standard Chartered Bank, in co-operation with the Ministry of Finance and Economy of the Republic of Korea, will hold the International Credit Bureau 2004 in Seoul on March 11, 2004, as a continuance of its efforts and vision to promote comprehensive
Turkey has reached an accord with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on a package of measures to cover a 7,000 trillion lira ($5.3 billion) financing gap, government officials said on Wednesday.
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has ordered state-owned China Construction Bank and Bank of China to ensure they meet reform targets meant to transform them into true commercial institutions within three years, reports said Wednesday.
Former WorldCom Inc Chief Executive Bernard Ebbers surrendered to federal authorities in New York on Wednesday, a day after the government charged him with orchestrating the largest ever US accounting fraud.
Japan's Mizuho Financial Group will pay back 500 billion yen (4.5 billion dollars) in public funds, the largest amount ever to be returned by a bank, a report said Wednesday.
Japan's Mizuho Financial Group will pay back 500 billion yen (4.5 billion dollars) in public funds, the largest amount ever to be returned by a bank, a report said Wednesday.
European businessmen blasted South Korea Wednesday as one of the world's largest counterfeit exporting and consuming countries with Internet sites emerging as a major distribution channel.
Opec oil production fell slightly in February but high prices deterred members from reining in much supply despite a mid-month pledge to eliminate overproduction, a Reuters survey released on Tuesday found.
China Wednesday dismissed warnings by US Federal Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan that it faces grave economic consequences if it continues to pile up massive US dollar holdings as it defends the pegged yuan system.
