Market Report Week 43 - 2025

Update on the GCC countries

The market continued to remain stable this week across all commodities, with the exception of South African Valencias, which remain under pressure due to the high volumes from South Africa.

Other commodities performing well in the market this week include bananas, avocados, and Italian grapes.

1.00 USD = 3.67 AED (Emirate Dirham)

1.00 USD = 3.75 SAD (Saudi Riyals)

1.00 USD = 122.24 BDT (Bangladeshi Taka)

1.00 USD = 87.70 INR (Indian Rupees)

1.00 USD = 17.31 ZAR (South African Rand)

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

Citrus

The citrus season has officially come to an end, marking the conclusion of harvesting and packing activities, with no further volumes expected until the start of the next season.

Market update

Although the market for Valencias remains under pressure, the late-season Cambria and Witkrans Navel varieties are beginning to show signs of improvement. China has also started offering Navels and mandarins (3kg,5kg,10kg,15kg), aiming to fill the market gap at the of the South African season.

China continues to seek market opportunities across various commodities and has successfully increased its overall supply to the Middle East this season.

Market prices for South African lemons have eased slightly following the arrival of Egypt’s new-season lemons.

Additionally, trial shipments of citrus from Botswana to Saudi Arabia were carried out this season and proved successful.

Mandarins are performing well in the market. South Africa and Peru are in the market, with upcoming arrivals expected from Morocco and Australia. Egypt has also started shipping, but its fruit currently cannot compete with the quality of South African or Peruvian mandarins.

Market Prices (Dubai, Kuwait and Jeddah)

Pome

Pome fruit – South Africa

The Controlled Atmosphere (CA) pear season is nearing its end, with approximately two weeks of packing remaining.

Market update

Market prices for South African pears have declined due to increased shipment volumes, along with additional supply from other origins such as Spain, Syria, and China. Although China’s season has concluded, some volumes were still sent to the market. Pears from Belgium (Qtee variety) are also expected to arrive soon and will be available in the market until the end of December. The packaging is the same with that of South Africa.

Market is performing well for apples due to less availability.

Market Prices (Dubai, Kuwait and Jeddah)

Grape, Stone, Kiwi Fruit

Grapes

The first harvest of Early Sweet and Flame varieties is expected to begin in the next 2 weeks.

Market update

The market is currently supplied with grapes from Italy, Turkey, Lebanon, and Syria. Strong demand continues for Italian Sweet Globe and Autumn Crisp varieties, which are achieving excellent price levels in the market. Peru has also begun shipping its first Sweet Globe grapes to the Middle East, marking the start of their season.

Stone Fruit -South Africa

The packing of nectarines and peaches has commenced, with initial volumes still limited. However, the season outlook is promising for both peaches and nectarines.

Market update

The market is currently being supplied with plums from Spain and Syria and stone fruit from Iran.

Cherries – Market update

The first arrivals of very early-season South African cherries have reached the Middle East in limited volumes. Market movement and price levels vary across the different GCC countries.