Hajj is in 2 weeks (17 July – 22 July) and normally over this period, there is a high demand and increase in sales for all commodities as the market prepares for millions of Umrah Pilgrims into the country. Due to the Coronavirus, only 60 000 citizens and residents will be allowed to perform Hajj and Umrah. This is contributing towards the low demand for most commodities and slow market sales in addition to citizens/residents being allowed to leave the country for the first time in over a year due to the coronavirus.  Many residents/citizens are taking the opportunity to go on vacation outside of the country.  

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

Citrus – South Africa

Valencia’s colour development was very good, due to the season start being delayed. Current Valencia varieties being packed include Turkey, Midknight, and Bennies. Most growers seem to be peaking on count 72/88.

Currently, in the Northern areas of South Africa, Cambria Late Navels seem to be peaking on bigger sizes (count 48/56/64), but the Eastern areas predict their sizing will be smaller (count 88/105) and they will start picking/packing Cambria in week 28/29. Currently, the Western areas of South Africa are struggling to pick Navels due to recent rainy weather, meaning Navelate picking will be delayed by a week.

The Northern areas have started picking and packing Nadorcott. Sizes seem to be between count 1XX-2.

Shipped YTD from South Africa

Lemons to the Middle East – a decrease of 21% on cumulative volumes shipped to date compared to the 2020 season.

Grapefruit to the Middle East – an increase of 10% on cumulative volumes shipped to date compared to the 2020 season. 

Soft Citrus to the Middle East – an increase of 41% on cumulative volumes shipped to date compared to the 2020 season.

Oranges to the Middle East – an increase of 5% on cumulative volumes shipped to date compared to the 2020 season.

Market update: Due to the high volume of Egyptian valencias in the market and at low price levels, the GCC countries will only start taking valencias from South Africa at the beginning of July (limited volume) and will start increasing volumes from Mid-July onwards. Egypt is still packing for another 20 days.

Mandarins – Peru

In Peru, it is estimated that in July, mandarin exports could reach over 62 000 metric tons and a growth of 31% in volume and 35% in value year-on-year.  Peru is currently in its late mandarin season and the season is expected to end in September/October. Late mandarin varieties include Murcott’s, Nadorcott’s, and Malvaceo.

Stone fruit

The situation on plums has not changed in the GCC countries with continued market pressure and a decline in price levels.

Kiwi fruit

Kiwi fruit volumes shipped from Chile to the Middle East remain low at 30% less on cumulative volumes shipped to date compared to the 2020 season.

Continued high demand and high price levels for Kiwi fruit not only in the GCC countries but around the Globe. The increase is due to the high vitamin C levels found in Kiwi fruit and increased consumption amid the Covid 19 pandemic, low volumes in the Northern Hemisphere (the USA, Italy, Greece, and France) compared to previous seasons, low volumes in Chile as well as delays in the Chilean season. These are all factors contributing to the high demand/high price levels for Kiwi fruit.

India

The local apple and pear crop is expected to start in two weeks’ time. This will put a little damper on the sale of importers’ apples and pears. Citrus sales are still atrocious and more fruit is arriving each week from Egypt. The first oranges from SA have also made an arrival and are selling at a loss of $5 plus per carton. All citrus is moving slowly and below cost. Still no market for plums and Grapes. The Covid cases have seemed to stabilise at 50 000 cases per day.

Bangladesh

Yet another carrier has decided to suspend their service between South Africa and Bangladesh due to delays at trans-shipment ports and congestion outside Chittagong Port.

The UN Committee for Development Policy has recognised Bangladesh as an eligible candidate to graduate from an LDC to “Developing Country” status.  This conversion comes with extensive import tariff reviews and further rules and regulations to protect local industry.  This is however a long process and the country has been given 5 years for the transition should this go ahead.

Despite a small improvement in apple prices, margins are still in the red. Soft citrus is performing very badly in the current market.