Peas End With Few Changes

VANCOUVER - Dec 31/04 - SNS -- International field pea markets ended the week's trading with few changes reported on account of limited participation in markets by exporters in Europe, Australia, Canada and the United States.

The situation as not helped by last week's horrifying tsunami, which killed over 150,000 people in nations bordering the Bay of Bengal and in African countries along the Indian Ocean. The toll continues to rise, with governments still trying to account for thousands of missing locals and tourists. Some regional governments fear the direct death toll could approach 400,000 -- with thousands more expected to die from disease and hunger over the coming days and weeks.

Not surprisingly, traders in the region were distracted by the disaster, with the result few were interested in pursuing business. Few countries in the world and few industries were unaffected by the disaster. Striking at the height of the tourist season, thousands of visitors from Europe; North, Central and South America; Australia, New Zealand; and elsewhere are still missing or already confirmed dead.

It is difficult to assess the impact last week's events will have on short term trade to the region -- whether for commercial or food aid purposes. Food aid stores have been released to the worst hit areas in Sri Lanka and Somalia and they will need to be replenished at some future date. However, most of the aid requirement appears to be for medicine, drinking water and other supplies.

Subscribers can read the full text of the article by Clicking here