Update on the GCC countries
The Holy month of Ramadan is expected to start on the evening of Friday, 28 March or Saturday, 1 March 2025.
Due to vessel delays, banana prices have risen by 15 – 22% and the increase is also contributed to a higher demand pre-Ramadan Sales. Additionally, apple prices have increased during the pre-Ramadan sales in Dubai and are expected to rise further next week in Saudi Arabia.
| 1.00 USD = 3.67 AED (Emirate Dirham) |
| 1.00 USD = 3.75 SAD (Saudi Riyals) |
| 1.00 USD = 121.46 BDT (Bangladeshi Taka) |
| 1.00 USD = 86.37 INR (Indian Rupees) |
| 1.00 USD = 18.45 ZAR (South African Rand) |
Citrus
Citrus fruit – South Africa
Although lemon packing has been delayed for the past two weeks due to intermittent rain, all growers in the Northern regions are expected to begin packing next week (week 10).
Market update
Egyptian navels, as well as Egyptian and Turkish lemons, have increased due to pre-Ramadan sales. The Egyptian and Turkish lemons is expected to be out of the market by the end of March.
Market Prices (Dubai, Kuwait and Jeddah)
Pome
Pome fruit
South Africa
Pear exports from South Africa to the Middle East have dropped by 8% compared to the same period last season. With summer pears now finished, there will be a 1 – 2 week gap before the winter varieties (Forelle and Vermont Beaut) are available.
The earlier projections for South African apple volumes, especially for Royal Gala varieties, have been updated. The export tonnage for these apples will be 8 – 10% lower than initially anticipated. However, the colour quality is exceptionally high, particularly in Ceres, the main growing area for Royal Gala apples. As a result, there will be a higher quantity of Royal Beaut and Royal Gala Red apple varieties, with fewer Royal Gala and Gala apples available.
Market update
Demand and prices for Royal Gala apples have risen during the pre-Ramadan sales. Additionally, there has been a surge in demand for Granny Smith apples due to reduced availability from Serbia.
While prices for Rosemarie summer pears remain high, they have begun to decline over the past week as more volumes have entered the market and have not increased pre-Ramadan sales.
Market Prices (Dubai, Kuwait and Jeddah)
Grape, Stone, Kiwi Fruit
Grapes -South Africa
Volumes on Red Globe and Crimson varieties have decreased in the Hex River region due to the tail-end of the season.
Market update
Tawny and Crimson Red seedless varieties are struggling in the market due to competition from India. However, there is still demand for Red Globe grapes.
Stone Fruit -South Africa
Middle East – Export volumes of plums from South Africa to the Middle East have decreased by 2% compared to the same period last season, which is a relatively small drop.
Market update
Red plum prices have decreased by 18% due to an oversupply in the market, however the market remains strong for South African peaches.
Kiwi fruit – Market update
No report.
Mangoes -South Africa
No Report
Market update
No Report
Market Prices (Dubai, Kuwait and Jeddah)
India / Bangladesh
India
Red Delicious
The Red delicious market is under pressure due to over supply of cheap Iranian fruit. Turkey/USA/Europe struggling to move. Gala market looking positive as India awaits the arrival of the first Southern Hemisphere fruit.
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Bangladesh
Duty discussion
Importers had weekly meetings with the Bangladeshi Government to adjust import duties. And luckily, the duties have been decreased. Even though, it will only come into effect after 4 March 2025 – it will still have a significant influence on consumer buying power due to cheaper prices fresh fruit.
SA Statistics
Decofrut Statistics
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