In General

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has created significant disruption and uncertainty in maritime logistics. Several shipping lines have suspended or limited services to certain ports in the region, while some vessels already at sea are being redirected to alternative operational ports. In addition, shipping lines have implemented substantial war risk surcharges, resulting in sharply increased freight rates. As a result, any available shipping opportunities to the Middle East currently come at considerably higher costs due to the elevated operational risks.

Update on the GCC countries

GCC countries have experienced a sharp increase in both demand and prices for citrus, pears, grapes, stone fruit, and bananas, as buyers move quickly to secure supply amid logistical disruptions and uncertainty in the region.

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

The market is beginning to absorb the excess volume of Egyptian navels, with prices showing a slight improvement. Lemon prices remain stable and continue to hold good market value, and hopefully, this trend will continue.

Grapes           

White, red, and black seedless varieties from South Africa remain widely available and continue to dominate market supply. Seeded grapes are maintaining strong performance, supported by relatively tighter volumes. Good-quality grapes are trading at stable and favorable price levels.

Stone Fruit

Apricots are nearing the end of the season, with supply continuing to tighten and quality becoming more variable. Plum availability remains limited, supporting stable market prices.

Kiwi Fruit

There is still a reasonable volume of Iranian kiwifruit available in the market; however, prices have increased as supply is expected to become limited. Demand and price levels are anticipated to rise further after Ramadan, particularly as Iran remains the only origin currently supplying the market. Once Iranian kiwifruit is depleted, Chile is expected to be the only alternative source, presenting a strong market opportunity for Chilean supply this season.

India

Iran war causes uncertainty

The war in Iran has caused uncertainty for all shipments to the Middle and Far East. A lot of fruit is being diverted to other markets that may put pressure on these markets. All new stock is also now been loaded to India as shipping lines are not taking bookings for ME or if they are there are surcharges of $4 000 plus.

Bangladesh

Average Market

Sales of apples remain slow, even though some importers have managed to push up prices for certain customers. Pear sales from China started well but are currently slowing down. Importers are also losing money on mandarins from China and India.