SINGAPORE'S role as a trading hub in the spice market has diminished considerably over the past year, with a drawdown of stocks as a result. According to the latest import figures, Singapore brought in 33,921 tonnes of key spices during 2010, a 26% fall from 45,753 tonnes a year earlier. It exported 23% less over the same periods at 23,798 tonnes. These represented the lowest figures in records dating back to 1999. Although the different basis used to calculate the statistics makes direct comparison difficult, the 26% drop in imports versus a 23% drop in exports suggests a drawdown in stocks, especially when considering that imports of ginger which is used locally held that side of things up... Read More