One of the main function and activities of the IPC is to disseminate information on development of pepper production and industry to all stake holders in producing as well as consuming countries. Pepper Statistical Yearbook of the IPC is recognized as the main source of information on pepper industry published annually. It contains serial data on area, production, export, import, consumption, and price of pepper and pepper products.

Today, we have great pleasure to again publish the Pepper Statistical Yearbook 2016, presenting ten years summary of statistical information (2007-2016) on area, production, export, import, consumption and price in producing countries as well as five year detailed statistics on import and export of pepper in producing and consuming countries.

The year 2016 was likely to have been an oversupply of pepper, resulting price to slide down after recording a highest level achieved in 2015. Pepper production in 2016 increased further to 432,000 Mt from 416,000 Mt in 2015 while average price decreased from US$ 10,700 and US$ 15,500 per Mt for black and white pepper respectively in New York in 2015 to US$ 8,800 and US$ 13,500 per Mt respectively in 2016.

We hope by publishing this Yearbook, pepper producers, exporters officials, trade agencies and all engaged in pepper industry would find this publication as an indispensable tool to develop their strategies for sustaining production and industry.

Publication of the Yearbook is successful on the good support given by various sources in the IPC members and non-member producing countries as well as other sources in importing and consuming countries. We would like to extend our gratitude and appreciation for this good cooperation and partnership. Cooperation extended by international agencies such as Food and Agricultural Organization in Rome and International Trade Centre in Geneva to this task is also highly appreciated.

This publication is the result of the untiring effort of Mr. Moh. Taufiq W.H., Statistical Officer of the IPC. Within a short period of time and limited resources available in the IPC Secretariat the task was completed in time. I place on record my special appreciation of the sincere efforts put in by him to bring out this publication. I also appreciate Mr. Yadi Suryadi, EDPA Assistant, for great works to make this into the publication.

The IPC would be very happy to receive users/readers' comments and suggestions on this publication for improving its contents and overall presentation.

Jakarta, 23rd October 2017

Hoang Thi Lien
Executive Director,
International Pepper Community