Update on the GCC countries
The Middle East is expected to end Ramadan on March 29, 2025 followed by Eid celebrations from 30 March and will continue for the next 3 – 4 days.
The market is quiet in general due to all the public holidays.
The market sales were slower during last week, as the focus shifts to buying clothing and gifts for Eid celebrations.
| 1.00 USD = 3.67 AED (Emirate Dirham) |
| 1.00 USD = 3.75 SAD (Saudi Riyals) |
| 1.00 USD = 121.71 BDT (Bangladeshi Taka) |
| 1.00 USD = 85.53 INR (Indian Rupees) |
| 1.00 USD = 18.40 ZAR (South African Rand) |
Citrus
Middle East – Export volumes of lemons from South Africa to the Middle East remain unchanged with a decrease of 30% compared to the same period last season.
Market update
Lemon prices in the market continue to increase sharply due to the tail-end of supply from Egypt and Turkey, leading to increased demand for South African lemons. The supply gap created by recent rains in the Northern arears in South Africa, is now being felt in the Middle Eastern market.
The market is responding well for Navels from Spain, marking a shift away from Egyptian supply due to quality issues.
Market Prices (Dubai, Kuwait and Jeddah)
Pome
Pome fruit
South Africa
Middle East – Export volumes of apples from South Africa to the Middle East have decreased by 40% compared to the same period last season.
Market update
Summer blush pears from South Africa are still available in the Middle Eastern market, with the Rosemarie and Flamingo varieties performing well, while other varieties like Cheeky and Cape Rose are not doing well. The new season Forelle and Vermont Beauty pears from South Africa have begun arriving, but they will face competition from pears that are still on the market.
Royal Gala apples from Italy and South Africa are performing well due to the lack of availability from South Africa on Royal Gala varieties. Increase in demand for Granny Smith apples from Chile and South Africa with Serbia that only have 3 weeks left until the season ends.
Market Prices (Dubai, Kuwait and Jeddah)
Grape, Stone, Kiwi Fruit
Grapes
No report.
Market update
There has been little response in the market to red grapes from Peru and Chile, as South Africa and India have some volume in the market and at lower price points. Overall, South Africa has exported a higher volume of grape varieties to the Middle East this season.
Stone Fruit -South Africa
Middle East – Export volumes of plums from South Africa to the Middle East have increased by 23% compared to the same period last season.
Market update
Plum prices are stable due to the limited volume currently available in Saudi Arabia. Only Laeticia Red plums from South Africa are on the market. Higher price levels are being offered for Angelino black plums from South Africa, but these elevated prices will only be feasible if Laeticia Red plums are unavailable, as customers generally prefer red plums.
Kiwi fruit
Only Iranian kiwifruit is available in the market, and the market is performing well due to the lack of competition from other countries.
The new harvest of kiwi fruit from Chile is set to begin in the next 1 – 2 weeks. However, like Iran, which is facing a 30% decrease in its crop this season, Chile’s production is also expected to be down by 10 – 15% this year.
Mangoes -South Africa
No Report
Market update
No Report
Market Prices (Dubai, Kuwait and Jeddah)
India / Bangladesh
India
Appels sales maintaining
Volumes of apples arrived from SA this week. Sales movement was good with prices holding. The last summer pears are arriving with pricing pressure on the least popular varieties like Fempre and Cape Rose.
.
Bangladesh
Market overview
Currently, Chinese apples are available at good prices due to vessel not being able to berth yet. Minimal volumes of South African Royal Gala are available now, hopefully the vessel will berth soon as Eid holidays start on Monday. The pear market is struggling, but luckily Egyptian Oranges and South African Golden Delicious are selling well.
SA Statistics
Decofrut Statistics
Follow links to our social pages