Update on the GCC countries

The Middle East market continues to show strong demand for lemons, although prices are beginning to stabilize as supply increases. Market prices for both Navels and Valencias remain firm, setting a positive trend for the start of the South African Navel season. This strength is expected to carry over into the Valencia season, especially as Egypt is anticipated to wrap up its season earlier than usual.

The apple market is expected to increase in coming weeks largely due to the limited supply of Royal Gala apples. Pears continue to face market pressure, though there’s optimism that demand will pick up in the coming weeks as supply becomes less.

The Middle East has shut its borders to onion imports from Yemen, Pakistan, India, and other potential suppliers to support domestic production. However, the market has a strong preference for onions from these countries, leading to a surge in prices due to limited availability.

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

Rainfall in the Northern production areas has hampered the picking and packing of citrus.

In General

Argentina’s lemon production could be down by as much as 15% this year. The July frost had a major impact on summer lemon production, leading to a significant decrease in volume. The outlook for this season, which began in early April and will run through August or early September, is not very promising. Current estimates suggest that production will be 10 to 15% lower than the average of previous years.

Market update

South African lemons reached a peak price of $42.00 in Saudi Arabia. However, increased volumes arriving during Weeks 12–14 have pushed prices down to $19.00. Despite this decline, the market outlook remains positive, and price levels are expected to stabilize.

Orange prices continue to rise, driven by reduced availability of Spanish Navels. Egyptian Valencias are performing well this season, showing better pricing compared to last year. While volumes remain high, they are lower than the previous season, as Egypt is prioritizing fixed-price shipments to Europe over consignment exports to the Middle East. Egyptian Valencias are expected to exit the market earlier than usual this year, opening a favourable opportunity for South African suppliers.

The market is supplied with Mandarins from Morocco and Egypt, however the quality from Egypt is not good.

Grapes – Market Update           

South African Red Globe grapes are still present in the market, while Chilean Red Globe is now competing alongside them, creating downward pressure on prices. In general, the market demand and sales are slow for red grapes.

Stone Fruit – Market Update          

Plums prices continue to remain high with limited supply.     

Kiwi fruit

Iranian kiwifruit is currently on the market in Saudi Arabia, with higher prices for 10kg compared to last season. Meanwhile, customers are approaching Chilean kiwifruit with caution due to its higher price points, leading to more reserved order placements.

India

Pear sales slow

The last 3 weeks there were a lot of holidays slowing down all sales. Port congestion was also caused by these holidays. Pear sales have slowed down. Plum and citrus prices have picked up as supply volumes has decreased. Apple selling price have decreased as more origins come into the market.

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Bangladesh

Market Update

Even though importers are losing money on Apples – they are making some profit on Oranges and Pears.