The import citrus market has warmed up again in week 19 as temperatures started to rise throughout the country. At the same time, the market welcomes the arrival of South African grapefruit from the southern hemisphere.
This week the domestic orange supply decreased, while in many places in the country temperatures rose to 30 degrees. As a result, the price of imported oranges shows a steady increase. At the moment, imported oranges still mainly come from the USA, Spain, and Egypt. The price of Spanish oranges increased most significantly. The price of oranges may have suffered in April, but in week 19 the price of Spanish oranges increased to 200-210 yuan [31.55-33.13 USD] for regular quality, while high-quality Spanish oranges cost as much as 240-250 yuan [37.86-39.44 USD] (based on size 54/60).
Spanish oranges
The price increase of US and Egyptian oranges was relatively small in comparison with the price increase of Spanish oranges. The price of size 88 US oranges increased to 340-350 yuan [53.64-55.21 USD] by Sunday. The price of relatively good-quality Egyptian oranges increased from 75-85 yuan [11.83-13.41 USD] per box last week to 85-95 yuan [13.41-14.99 USD] per box now.
Market sales analysis shows that although the current price of imported oranges shows a general increase, the loss in March and April has been severe. It is difficult to tell from current conditions whether the overall loss and profit this season will be balanced. At the same time, although the price of US oranges increased to 340-350 yuan [53.64-55.21 USD], the customs tariff for US oranges also increased, which means that there is little profit left. Therefore, many import traders look forward to the beginning of the citrus season in the southern hemisphere, such as Australia and South Africa.
US oranges
Last Saturday, the first shipment of South African grapefruit arrived in the port of Shanghai. It was displayed and sold on Sunday. Although the first shipment consisted of only 5 shipping containers, the majority were small grapefruits of size 50/55/60. South African orchard owners stated that there were not enough top-grade grapefruits for the Chinese market, as a result of weather conditions. Furthermore, many packaging factories temporarily halted packaging for the Chinese market in weeks 18 and 19, and focused on packaging for Europe and the Middle East instead.
However, the small supply volume caused a high price. The price of grapefruits sized 40/45 was around 300 yuan [47.33 USD] per box. The price of grapefruits sized 50/55 reached 280-290 yuan [44.17-45.75 USD]. Importers predict that the price will remain high for the next two weeks because the supply volume of South African grapefruit will remain small.
South African grapefruits