Data from the Chinese Fruit Association shows that the apple production volume in Shandong is expected to decline by 15%, but nationwide the apple supply volume is more than sufficient. Production in Shandong is expected to decline by 15%, but the production volumes in Shaanxi, Shanxi, and Gansu slightly increased. In Sichuan and Yunnan conditions have improved and the production volume is expected to significantly increase. The overall production volume is estimated at 45 million tons. The overall supply volume is more than sufficient, but the volume of top-quality apples is somewhat low and the volume that will enter storage is expected to decline.
Relevant data shows that the volume of apples entered into storage in the 2021-2022 season is estimated at 8,152,900 tons, which is a decline of 3,324,800 tons, or 28.96%, compared to the 11,477,700 tons entered into storage in the 2020-2021 season. Only in 2018 was the volume in storage smaller than this season. Less than 40% of the apples in storage are considered top quality, while more than 60% of the apples are of common quality. Only a small volume of third-grade and fourth-grade apples entered storage.
As for the conditions in the apple market this year, the prices in Ningxia and Gansu started low, but they are rising. The price in the north of Shaanxi remains strong, but trade is slowing down. In addition, the occasional outbreak of Covid-19 disturbs operations. In some areas packaging methods are complicated, and visiting traders are unwilling to purchase large volumes, which forces farmers to store large volumes of apples in their own storage facilities.
Source: Northeast Fruit Industry News