In General

The overall market remained relatively stable this week across most commodities, with minimal price fluctuations. The exception was lemons, which continue to experience downward price pressure.

Market stability has largely been driven by congestion at Jeddah and Khor Fakkan ports, where container clearance delays have created supply bottlenecks. As containers are released only periodically, resulting in limited volumes being released into the market at any given time. The situation is further compounded by a critical shortage of reefer trucks and the implementation of new permit requirements at the UAE–Saudi land border, both of which continue to constrain the movement of fresh produce throughout the region.

The pace of port clearances, transport availability, and cross-border logistics will remain key factors influencing market conditions across the Middle East Region.

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

Lemons

Lemon supply continued to increase as additional Southern Hemisphere volumes entered Middle East markets. Availability improved further during the week, resulting in lower sales prices. Market prices declined more this week with more lemons available in the market.

Oranges

Egyptian Valencia oranges remained widely available across the market, with supply levels sufficient to meet current demand requirements. Pricing remained largely stable. First South African Navels expected to arrive this week.

Grapes           

Seedless Grapes (Red & Black)

Seedless grape prices remained under pressure this week as market inventories continued to weigh on trading conditions. Egyptian grapes are available in the market at low prices. Selling prices are below $10/00 per carton for 4.5 KG Loose.

Seeded Grapes

Supply from Peru is coming to an end.

Stone Fruit

Plums
Last South African Plum trading remained relatively stable across the region, with supply levels continuing to support consistent market availability. Pricing on selected varieties remained under pressure, particularly where inventories were elevated, while demand continued to favour premium-grade fruit with strong colour and eating quality.

Kiwi

New Zealand Gold kiwifruit continues to perform exceptionally well, trading at approximately USD 51.00 per 5kg carton. Chilean Hayward (green) kiwifruit is currently selling at around USD 30.00 per 10kg carton.

India

Citrus

The citrus market is still under pressure and sales on Egyptian Valencias and Chinese mandarins are very slow. First SA mandarins have also made arrival and are competing with the cheap Chinese mandarins.

Bangladesh

Apples still in demand

Orange’s and mandarin’s not doing so well in the market currently. Even though local fruit is doing well, the demand for Royal Gala & Gala apples are still very high.