Description

Abstract: International production continues to grow rapidly (10-15% yearly) as markets in developed countries import more and consumption in the producing countries also increases. China continues to be the largest producer, consumer, and exporter with about 1.2 million metric tons of production in 2009. Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Philippines have all increased production by 10 to 20% per year in 2008 and 2009. Indonesia’s production in 2008 reached 328,831 metric tons, becoming the world’s number two producer, followed closely by Thailand and Egypt.