The Middle East market remains stable on valencia oranges from South Africa, with a slight downward trend in price levels from week 40-41. Market trends should start showing more positive price levels due to the gap in supply of oranges from South Africa due to port strikes. However this could negatively impact the tail-end of the citrus season with an oversupply to the market once port operations resume, as higher volumes of oranges will need to be exported to the market over a shorter period of time.

Continued high demand for pears from South Africa, however there is still a lower demand for Royal gala apples from all origins.

Ongoing Transnet port terminal strikes has affected the flow of cargo in Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, and Durban port. No reefer container vessels are being loaded. Fruit is being stored at packhouses and some growers have stopped packing until there is a further update on the strike.

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

The ongoing Transnet port terminal Transnet strike posses a risk to more than 185,000 tons of South African citrus to Global markets. Although South Africa is at the end of the citrus season, there are still 7,800 containers of citrus that need to be shipped. In addition to citrus industry being affected, the strike has also had a negative effect on the berry industry that is at it’s peak and will negatively impact this sectors export revenue.

Market update

The price for valencia oranges from South Africa dropped slightly in the Middle East from week 40-41.

Exported volumes from South Africa to the Middle East remain unchanged from week 40-41 and this is due to Transnet port strikes with no container vessels loading. There will be a gap in supply for at least two weeks or until port operations resume.

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

The Orange River in the Northern Cape is set for an early start this year as the estimated harvesting weeks on grapes is 10-14 days earlier compared to last season. The weather for October looks favourable for flowering and fruit set. Harvest should start from week 46.

Stone fruit estimates for the 2023 season indicate an overall increase of 9% in Apricots, 15% Nectarines, 4% Peaches, and 4% Plums.

India

The Packham market is coming under pressure and prices are dropping daily as SA ships more Packhams to India. The Vermont market is good although prices are starting to come under pressure. The Orange market is terrible as the market is selling at $8 C&F. This will be a negative return to grower.

Bangladesh

The Orange market is under pressure just like all other markets. Importers are losing money and more volumes are enroute. Golden market is starting show a little bit of pressure on Pricing.