Weekly National Molasses Report

SPRINGFIELD - Mar 29/04 - 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

Sugarcane molasses prices remain at steady levels, with the exception of Houston
this week. Demand continues to be moderate for moderate to heavy offerings. High
ocean freight rates along with limited numbers of ships available to handle cargoes
of molasses pressure the movement of imported product. Harvest in Flordia is
winding down.  Only a few Flordia mills are left to finish up.  The crushing season
is in full swing in Central America.  Yeilds have been good thus far producing
moderate to heavy offerings.  The weaker dollar has stimmulated demand of molasses
from Europe.

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
                           03/29/2004       03/22/2004        03/31/2003
Cane Blackstrap- *Offers only (premiums and discounts to apply)*

 New Orleans               52.50-55.00      52.50-55.00       60.00
                           mostly 52.50     mostly 52.50
 Houston                   57.50-60.00      60.00             65.00
 South Florida             62.50            62.50             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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