. . . while Robusta harvest provides little relief

20 May 1998

. . . while Robusta harvest provides little relief

INDONESIAS Robusta harvest for 1998-1999 is forecast to decline from a typical yield of 430,000 tonnes to 300,000-325,000t, according to coffee traders on the London International Financial Futures and Options Exchange.

The drop in production has been attributed to drought and poor photosynthesis.

The Financial Times says this low expectation has already been factored into the world market and may help offset an expected large crop in Brazil.

Lawrence Eagles, head of research at GNI, thought speculation over supply disruptions was premature.

• Financial Times 20/05/98 page 36