John H. Elton, Inc. Spice Brokers Global Services Since 1949
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.
Proud Member of:
American Spice Trade Association (ASTA)
©2025 John H. Elton Inc. New York, NY USA
March 13, 2026
While the tariff scenario is far from resolved - the Administration has initiated steps to put in place alternative instruments to replace the tariffs the Supreme Court has struck down - the Middle East "Conflict" is a new and greater disruptor to our industry. Each spice has a particular scenario to weigh. Freight increases particularly from that part of the world are present, but also obtaining booking slots is a challenge. Rerouting means longer voyage times. Spices originating from the Middle East are of concern, but also the disruption in demand from that region is having impacts, along with specific instances of large quantities that are on the water not being taken and being diverted from their contracted B/L destinations.
Pepper
Vietnam is weak with the absence of Middle East demand and the disruption in shipping. The softening so far has offset the increased freight rates sufficiently that pricing to the U.S. and other ports are lower than at the time of our last report. With the easier Vietnamese market there has been a parallel reduction in their interest as importers from Brazil. So far the Brazilian market has held steady, but that likely will change if the disruption continues for an extended period of time.
Other Spices:
Guatemalan CARDAMOM exporters point out the absence of typical interest from Gulf States, and cancelations of earlier made commitments. Pakistan historically sources CUMIN from the Middle East (they cannot buy direct from India) and is now looking for alternatives. India has a shorter FENNEL crop, but the Middle East represents a substantial part of usual demand for it. The Middle East typically sources lower curcumin TURMERIC so those grades price levels have degraded. Other items we note which may be impacted - CORIANDER, GINGER, ROSEMARY, SAFFRON AND THYME. So far Egypt reports little disruption but this must be monitored.
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