Market trends show that this has been a difficult season for the Middle East market with a slow sales rate for most commodities. The only commodity that has remained stable and at high price levels is apples due to the shortage this season, and lemons showed positive market trends in mid-April when more volume was diverted to the EU at higher price levels.

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

South Africa’s President met with the European Union Council President to discuss the urgent trade matters on the export of citrus products from South Africa to the EU and to solve the matter on the so-called ‘floating consignments’ of + 2,000 containers of oranges shipped to the EU that arrived on the 14^th of July.  This is the start date of the new protocol on oranges.

Market update

In general, the Middle East market has dropped on all citrus fruit from South Africa due to the low sales rate and higher volumes that made arrival during last week.

There has been an increase in the shipments of oranges sent from South Africa to the Middle East market by the end of week 28 as exported volumes indicate 9% decrease compared to the same period last season.  Previous weeks, shipments were still lagging at a much higher level. Lemons are down by 5% and soft citrus 4% shipped YTD from South Africa to the Middle East.

Update on Kiwi Fruit and a market update in the GCC countries

This season, Kiwi fruit from Chile has not been able to compete in the market due to Iranian Kiwi fruit that arrived in the Middle East market with high volumes and low price levels.

India

The pricing on SA oranges are doing well, due to limited good quality oranges been shipped from SA and Egypt basically out of the market. Easy peelers are also moving nicely. Pears are moving at low prices still as market is still full of stock. Local Apples have started and are putting pressure on the pricing of imported apples.

Bangladesh

The first Chinese apples will be in the market soon. This is normally the lower quality apple and we dop not expect it to put pressure on the imported apples supply. SA pears are still selling at a loss. Limited SA citrus available and selling well.