A continued downward trend in price and demand for South African summer pears in the GCC countries due to increased volumes making arrival.

There is a growing concern on volumes of citrus and soft citrus being intended for Russia being diverted to the Middle East.

Positive market trends for apples in the GCC countries.

In Dubai, the market is doing well for South African Mangoes.

• Citrus
• Pome
• Grape, Stone & Kiwi Fruit
• India & Bangladesh
• PPECB Statistics

A growing concern on lemon packing and the impact on volumes intended for Russia being diverted to other markets.

Lemon producers in Argentina have delayed the start of the 2022 harvest due to the uncertainty surrounding the conflict in Russia and Ukraine. Russia and Ukraine take about 25% of Argentina’s total export volume with shipments ranging from 40,000 to 50,000 tons each year.

Market update on Citrus from South Africa

There is a growing concern that the Middle East will become the dumping ground for oranges from Egypt with Russia being closed. Egyptian valencias will be in the market until the end of July.  This will be the second season that the South African oranges will compete with Egypt which is normally out of the market by June.

Spain has also diverted volumes of late navels to the Middle East with Russia being closed. Higher volumes of soft citrus are being diverted from Morocco to the Middle East that was intended for Russia.  This will also have an impact on the start of the new season of soft citrus from South Africa if the market is oversupplied.

Update on Stone fruit and a market update in the GCC countries

Overall nectarine volumes from South Africa are 27% up due to new plantings coming into production.  About 11% of Nectarine exports and 36% of peach exports have gone to the Middle East.

Continued low price levels and demand for South African plums in the GCC countries.

Update on Grapes and a market update in the GCC countries

The export of Table grapes from South Africa is up compared to last season. Although exports to the EU and UK are down compared to last season, there has been growth to destinations such as Canada, where exports are up to 3.3 million cartons from 2.7 million, the Middle East – 2.5 million from 2 million – and South East Asia – up to 2 million from 1.9 million.

By the end of week 9, there was an increase of 31% shipped YTD on all grape varieties to the Middle East compared to last season.

Red globe grapes from South Africa are doing well in Dubai due to the recent increase in tourism activities.

Update on Kiwi Fruit and a market update in the GCC countries

Harvest of the new Chilean season of Kiwi fruit is expected to start at the end of March/beginning of April. Volume and sizing will be similar to last season.

No change from week 9 to 10 for both prices and demand on Kiwi fruit in Dubai.

India

No report.

Bangladesh

The market is still good and strong in general for apples. There is a slight pickup in orange sales, but the mandarin market is still not doing good. The Chinese Pears are still under pressure and good movement on South African Royal Gala Apples.

South African shipping opportunities to Bangladesh are still under pressure due to vessels omitting/moving out. Container availability on specific shipping lines is also limited.