The overall market conditions remain slow in the GCC countries and is only expected to start picking up from the 10^th July for pre-Hajj/Eid-al-Adha celebrations to be held from the 17-22 July 2021.

The UAE is now ranked as the number one country in the world for Covid-19 vaccination rates.

From Sunday , 30 May, Saudi Arabia will allow visitors from 11 countries (United Arab Emirates, Germany, the United States of America, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Switzerland, France, and Japan). However, all visitors must undergo seven days of quarantine at their own expense.

Bahrain has closed all shopping malls and restaurants for 2 weeks to contain the spread of Covid-19, while in Qatar, restaurants were allowed to reopen at limited capacity. 

From 1^st June 2021, Oman will implement new work permit fees on all non-Omani workers.

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

Citrus – South Africa

The packing of the first early Midknight Valencia oranges will start next week (week 23) and will be targeted for China and other high paying markets for this variety. The sizing is currently peaking on size 72/88.

Shipped YTD from South Africa

Lemons to the Middle East – a decrease of 15% on cumulative volumes shipped to date compared to the 2020 season.

Grapefruit to the Middle East – an increase of 22% on cumulative volumes shipped to date compared to the 2020 season. 

Soft Citrus to the Middle East – an increase of 26% on cumulative volumes shipped to date compared to the 2020 season.

Oranges to the Middle East – an increase of 48% on cumulative volumes shipped to date compared to the 2020 season.

Market update: Sales are slow for the most part on all commodities and are expected to start picking up from the 10^th of July for pre-Hajj/Eid-al-Adha celebration

Dubai is re-exporting South African navels to Saudi Arabia, which puts pressure on current price levels in the market.

Stone fruit

The situation on plums has not changed in the GCC countries with continued market pressure and decline in price levels due to the oversupply in the market. There has also been some shipping delays on Chilean plums and this has negatively impacted the arrival of these plums in an oversupplied market.

Kiwi fruit

Kiwi fruit volumes shipped from Chile to the Middle East remain low at -36 % on cumulative volumes shipped to date compared to the 2020 season.

The first Gold variety Kiwi fruit from New Zealand has made its arrival in the UAE and selling at exorbitant price levels for a 2.8kg carton with an increase of +$13.75 compared to the Hayward variety from Italy selling in a 3kg carton.

India

Apples seem to be the “on” commodity that is still doing well. Small importers have dropped prices on SA pears to unprecedented levels. Egyptian citrus struggling to move. Plums and grapes small movement only. Mumbai and Delhi opening slowly and South India still in full lockdown. Tough two months ahead.

Bangladesh

Sales within the market are moving a very slow rate currently, with an increasing number of containers in port.

Despite slow movement, apples from Brazil and South Africa have maintained their price levels over the past week.

Lychee supply is drawing to a close with availability expected to dry up over the next 7-10 days.