Continued downward Market trend and slow sales rate for most commodities in the GCC countries. The consumer buying power is not there and it seems as though the economy is heading towards a recession. However, the lower demand and slow sales rate can also be contributed to many local people that have left the country to go abroad on vacation, as the summer school break is from the end of June – 27 August 2022.

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

There is an anticipated upward trend in production on both Valencias and Late Mandarins for the next 4 weeks from the northern areas.  Durban cold stores are already full, and shipping is slow. This increase in production over the next few weeks will need to be managed carefully to prevent bottle necks in the cold stores as well as in Durban port.

Market update

The price for South Africa oranges, lemons and soft citrus dropped considerably In the Middle East over the last few days and the market is not stable, as higher volumes arrived in the market.

Soft citrus from South Africa is competing with Argentina at lower price levels. In general, there is a lower demand for oranges, lemons, and soft citrus in the GCC countries.

There has been an overall increase in the shipments of oranges sent from South Africa to the Middle East market by the end of week 30 as exported volumes indicate 10% increase compared to the same period last season. Lemons are down 1%, however soft citrus is up by 5% shipped YTD compared to the same period last season.

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

Continued downward trend in price levels as the market competes with Iranian Kiwi fruit at low price levels.

India

Shipping delays of more than 3 weeks on MSC (as usual) have caused imported apples to arrive in a down market due to local apples been available. Pears are seeing more movement on volumes not pricing. Pear pricing should pick up after the middle of August. Easy peeler pricing dropping. Big volumes of Valencias shipped will cause market to drop.

Bangladesh

The market is good on Apples, Easy peelers and Oranges. Pear and grape market still bad and selling at losses. RGL/Gala pricing dropping quickly for new orders as China is starting to enter the market. Will be difficult on RGA/Gala going forward.