Weekly National Molasses Report

SPRINGFIELD - Dec 1/03 - SNS -- The USDA released its latest weekly national report covering the sugarcane molasses market in that country. The report covers both cane blackstrap and feed grade merchandise

National Molasses Report

Coming off a holiday shortened work week, trade activity has begun the week 
rather slow. Sugarcane molasses prices are slightly lower. These weaker prices 
are resulting from moderate to heavy offerings, especially out of the Louisanna 
area. Louisana production should be completed by end of December. Florida 
production is currently right on schedule with completion the end of March. 
Sugarcane harvest in both Central and South America should begin sometime in 
December. Demand from Western Europe has increased as a result of a weaker US 
dollar. With soybean meal and corn byproduct prices remaining at higher levels 
many producers are looking toward liquid suppliments as an alternative. 

Feed Molasses (minimum 79.5 brix, 43% sugars, except where noted) offers only 
(premiums amd discounts to apply) and tank car or truck, fob terminal, prompt 
delivery, dollars/ton, 1/

Type and Market Area       As of Noon:      Last Week         Last Year
                           12/01/2003       11/24/2003        12/02/2002
Cane Blackstrap- *Offers only (premiums and discounts to apply)*   
                                                      
 New Orleans               52.50-55.00      52.50-60.00       60.00
 Houston                   60.00            62.50             65.00
 South Florida             65.00            65.00             67.50

1/ Per ton prices are based on 171 gallons for blackstrap molasses. To
compute cents per gallon prices on cane molasses divide dollars per ton by
171 gallons ($ per ton divided by 171 gallons = cents per gallon). Ton- 
2,000 lbs; Gallon= U.S. gallon.

***Effective 9/15/03 there were some changes to National Molasses Market 
Report. Due to market transparency issues, prices at several points have 
been discontinued on a weekly basis. As of today the remaining pricing 
points are New Orleans, Houston and South Florida. Other points will be 
reported when there is market activity.***

Source:  USDA-IL Dept of Ag Market News Springfield, IL 217-782-4925 

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STAT News Service

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