Ongoing poor and unstable market conditions with slow sales rates and price levels for all citrus fruits in the Middle East. Low buying power and higher volumes received from South Africa are all factors contributing to the unstable citrus market.

However, the market continues to show positive market trends and high price levels for apples.

1.00 USD = 3.67 AED (Emirate Dirham)
1.00 USD = 3.75 SAD (Saudi Riyals)
1.00 USD = 94.52 BDT (Bangladeshi Taka)
1.00 USD = 79.16 INR (Indian Rupees)
1.00 USD = 16.63 ZAR (South African Rand)

Citrus 

The latest forecasted estimate/predication is that the Valencia crop will decrease to 56 million cartons compared to the original forecasted estimate of 58.2 million cartons. The current sizing of Valencias is bigger, however the late season Valencias will be smaller in size (size 88/105) and therefore overall, there will be less cartons packed.

Most growers are prioritizing Valencia packing for Europe, China, and the Far East due to the high price levels in these markets.

Market update

The South African government has lodged a dispute with the World Trade Organization over the EU’s introduction to new regulations for citrus imports.

The South African citrus industry feels that the new cold treatment protocol is unjustified and will greatly damage the citrus sector and increase prices for the European consumers.

Market Prices (Dubai, Kuwait and Jeddah)

Pome

Combined apple shipments from both Chile and South Africa to the Middle East are still 6% down compared to the same time last season.

Market update

The Middle East are taking the last apples from South Africa and prefer to stop due to the new season apples from Spain, Italy, Turkey, Greece, and Serbia that is arriving in the market soon. South Africa will compete with the new season apples from these countries when it arrives in the market.

There has been an increase in the price of pears in the Middle East market compared to last week and this can be contributed to lower volumes being shipped from South Africa over the last few weeks.

Market Prices (Dubai, Kuwait and Jeddah)

Grape, Stone & Kiwi Fruit

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

Continued downward trend in price levels for Chilean Kiwi fruit as the market competes with Iranian Kiwi fruit at low price levels. In Saudi Arabia there seemed to be a slight improvement in the price for Chilean Kiwi fruit compared to last week, however price levels are still on the lower end.

Market Prices (Dubai, Kuwait and Jeddah)

India / Bangladesh

India

Pear stocks are clearing out and new arrivals can hopefully start demanding higher prices. Pear selling prices are still well below cost. Total collapse of the import apple market due to late arrival of imported apples and local market apples availability. Citrus is still holding up but a collapse is imminent with SA over supplying the market.

Bangladesh

Chinese apples pricing is putting pressure on supply of SA RGA/Gala apples. Prices of SA apples will have to decrease drastically to compete. Citrus prices still holding and demand for citrus is still good.

PPECB Statistics

Decofrut Statistics

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