GWM China Fruit Import Update: Citrus, Week 50 2015

Although Chilean cherries and blueberries dominated in week 49, volumes on the market seemingly decreased in week 50. Cherries and blueberries remained relatively dominant however far less dominant than one might have imagine. Week 50 also saw the first arrivals of U.S.A oranges finding good sales for the higher end product. Christmas sales are still looming.

In the forex market over the past two weeks, the Chinese Renminbi depreciated slightly against the U.S Dollar. The big news however is with the South African Rand’s depreciation against a basket of international currencies. The Rand depreciated between 5-10% over the past week, this will likely benefit farmers in the short run however how this will affect input costs in the coming seasons will need to be determined.

Let’s see the imported citrus in Shanghai and Guangzhou market. Imports of citrus continued to remain scarce in week 50, however there was buzz on the market for the first arrivals of U.S.A navels.  U.S.A lemons have remained in a similar price band with the larger sized count #140 pricing higher by ¥30-50 compared to count #165. A receiver in Shanghai opened good quality lemons in a popular brand with an asking price of ¥410-420 (count #165, 20kg) finding quick movement. The seller however soon felt taken advantage of and pushed the price of their count #140 to ¥480-490 receiving limited sales. Most U.S.A lemons showing good quality priced at between ¥430-460 (count #165, 20kg), with movement still not strong despite low imported volumes.

The first arrivals of U.S.A navels found good demand in both Guangzhou as well as Shanghai. Visually the fruit showed good quality with bright orange smooth surfaces. This was coupled with good firmness allowing the first arrivals to sell at between ¥330-350 (count #80/72, 20kg).

Egyptian as well as Israeli arrivals volumes have been inconsistent thus far with sporadic arrivals received. Week 50 saw an arrival of Egyptian Star Ruby asking for between ¥150-160 (17kg), although there is practically no volume in the market buyers are not willing to pay the price for fruit showing a green colouration.