GWM China Imports Market of Fruit Update Week 35/2015– Citrus

The import market remains and will remain dominated by winter fruit from South African and Australia for a continued period. Although week 34 saw a positive outlook on the market for citrus, expectations were revised downwards as enormous volumes of South African oranges departed. Apples varied, and depended by variety, with some in short supply receiving premiums while others were stocked and in a mixed situation.

The weather in week 35 as expected showed a split between south and east China, southern regions generally saw clearer sunnier skies for most of the week, as Shanghai received more rain throughout the week with large thunder storms affecting the region. The forecast for week 36 is for mostly rainy conditions in both south and east China. Temperatures however in more northern regions have slowly began to show a gradual decrease.

Supply of both South African and Australian oranges remained large in week 35, with South African as well as Australian volumes expected to rise further in the coming two weeks. These arrivals planned to meet better demand for pre-holiday sales. The price difference between Shanghai and Guangzhou market persisted in week 35, still likely due to the poor market returns in Hong Kong. Movement for oranges slowed during the week as buyers await larger arrivals.

Australian navels saw a decrease in price during week 35 with most of the fruit in Shanghai pricing and able to find sales at between ¥240-260 (count #72/80, 18kg) showing reasonably good quality , as poor fruit showing more blemishes coupled with rougher surfaces priced in the range ¥210-230 (count #72/80, 18kg). Guangzhou priced ¥5-15 lower. Some of the first late navels from Australia were received, packed in a popular brand and showing good quality the fruit opened with an asking price of ¥280-290 (18kg), movement was steady but did not sell out.

Midknight continued to be the most dominant variety available on the market, with prices decreasing slightly further in week 35. Most Midknight still showed a good overall quality, with well coloured fruit showing light marking pricing and finding sales at between ¥140-150 (count #48/56, 15kg), as fruit showing poorer colouration priced ¥5-10 lower.

Valencia mostly priced ¥10-15 lower than the Midknights, however some lowly coloured oranges with slightly more marking could be found asking for below ¥120 with limited interest from buyers. Arrivals of some Valencia types have shown different percentages of pitting in week 34/35, with these arrivals becoming difficult for importers. Particularly as more supply puts the market under pressure.

In week 35 more supply of the popular late navel varieties Cambria, Witkrans and Autumn Gold were available and as a result prices decreased. Cambria in Shanghai showing a good clean appearance priced and moved gradually at between ¥170-180 (count #48/56, 15kg), this down from ¥190-210 in week 34. Cambria and Autumn Gold showing rougher surfaces coupled with green colouration priced between ¥150-160 (count #48/56, 15kg). South African late navels showing a scruffy appearance could be found priced below ¥120, as stocks of late navels showing softness and marking price as low as ¥80 with little interest.

Scarcely available Star Ruby from South Africa mostly continued to find good returns, with the best quality fruit available showing good firmness limited market and good colouration priced and selling at between ¥180-195 (count #40, 17kg) in both Shanghai and Guangzhou. Grapefruit showing softness however came under scrutiny of buyers and priced ¥20-40 less with slow movement.

South African lemons remained rather unchanged, with most of the available fruit continuing to move gradually at between ¥250-280 (count #100/113, 15kg), with premium brands showing good colouration and a mostly elongated shape pricing ¥15-20 higher.

Soft-citrus remained under pressure as large volumes from Australian were available on the market, as limited supply from Peru as well as South Africa was also visible. Honey Murcott from Australia packed in the market’s premium brand continued to try maintain price level at between ¥400-420 (count #100, 18kg) in Shanghai and ¥430-450 (count #90, 18kg) in Guangzhou. Most of the available fruit howevershowing more blemishes priced between ¥260-320, with some arrival priced ¥30-40 lower with limited sales.

To the side South African Valencia exports to China and Hong Kong. Year on year volumes are down -7%, while up by 63% compared to the 2013 season. Exports in week 32 were revised dramatically upwards while week 33 also saw substantial departures trying to arrive before mid Autumn Moon Festival, this changed market expectations in a substantial way. Valencia departures remain evenly split between south and east China. To the side South African navel exports to China and Hong Kong updated till week 34. To date exports are at 1,66m cartons which represents a decrease of -7% compared to 2014 or increase of 44% compared to 2013. It was noted that exports from week 29 were showing a downward trend, this has been revised as departures in week 32 were adjusted upwards and week 33 remained substantial. To the side South African grapefruit departures to Hong Kong and China, till week 34 were at 1,46 million cartons which equates to a 28% increase year on year or an increase of over 75% compared to 2013. Departures in week 32/33, expected to arrive in time for the festival buildup.