Update on the GCC countries
The Islamic New Year is being celebrated on 25 – 26 June 2025 across the GCC countries, with these dates officially declared as public holidays.
The overall Middle East market remains strong for oranges, lemons, and apples, despite a slight decline in price levels over the past week. Mandarins, however, continue to face pressure as a result of increased volumes and a wide range of varieties arriving from South Africa. The market is expected to improve once the Nova and Leanri varieties clear. Pears also remain under pressure, with market demand shifting towards locally available summer fruits such as stone fruit and grapes, which are currently offered at lower prices.
| 1.00 USD = 3.67 AED (Emirate Dirham) |
| 1.00 USD = 3.75 SAD (Saudi Riyals) |
| 1.00 USD = 122.42 BDT (Bangladeshi Taka) |
| 1.00 USD = 85.53 INR (Indian Rupees) |
| 1.00 USD = 17.77 ZAR (South African Rand) |
Citrus
Turkey valencia coming to an end in Letsitele, growers are starting to pack Midknights and Bennie valencia’s.
In Senwes lemons have finished and late navels and valencia’s has started. Currently there are very cold temparatures which is good for colour development.
Lemons are in full swing in the Eastern Cape with sizing peaking on count 100 – 138. Late navels will start next week, with quality and sizing looking promising.
The Western Cape is focused on navels, lemons and soft citrus, however rains are impacting the harvest and packing of all citrus types.
Market update
Although lemon and navel prices declined slightly over the past week, overall price levels remain favourable, and the market continues to show stability. The first Turkey valencias shipped from South Africa to Saudi Arabia is expected to arrive in the market beginning of July.
The lemon market remains strong, although there is concern about the increased volumes from South Africa expected to arrive over the next three weeks.
The mandarin market is currently under pressure. However, once the Nova and Leanri varieties clear from the market, there should be an improved opportunity for the Tango and Nadorcott varieties to perform better.
Market Prices (Dubai, Kuwait and Jeddah)
Pome
Pome fruit – South Africa
Middle East – Apple export volumes from South Africa to the Middle East have increased by 7% compared to the same period last season. However, volumes of Royal Gala and Gala varieties remain limited as the season nears its end, with South Africa expected to conclude by the end of July.
Pear volumes are also set to decline, with only limited volumes of controlled atmosphere (CA) fruit being shipped weekly in an effort to extend the season as long as possible.
Market update
The apple market saw a slight decline this past week due to increased availability and more options in the market. However, Royal Gala and Gala varieties remain the preferred choice. In contrast, demand for the Cripps Pink variety from Chile is lower compared to last season, when limited supply from Chile had driven stronger interest.
Pears continue to face pressure in the market; however, conditions are expected to stabilise in the coming weeks as supply decreases and only limited volumes of CA fruit become available each week.
Market Prices (Dubai, Kuwait and Jeddah)
Grape, Stone, Kiwi Fruit
Grapes – Market Update
No report.
Kiwi fruit
Old season Iranian kiwi fruit is no longer available in the market. Currently, the market is supplied with Chilean kiwi fruit, which is performing well. The new season Iranian kiwi fruit is expected to start from August.
Pomegranates – Market update
No report.
Market Prices (Dubai, Kuwait and Jeddah)
India / Bangladesh
India
Pear sales improve
Pear sales are improving and pricing is coming more inline with the costs and importers are no longer losing. All citrus is still a problem on movement and pricing.
Bangladesh
Good Mandarin market
South African Mandarins have made arrival, and are selling for high prices due to very few Chinese Mandarins being available.
SA Statistics
Decofrut Statistics
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