After the period of calm which usually marks Egyptian agricultural exports to Europe towards the end of the year, the citrus campaign is set to pick up and hit full steam in the coming weeks.
Mohamed Maatouk, the founder of R M Fresh, says, "The Egyptian orange market has so far been nice but slow, which is not unusual. Like every season, I expect the campaign to intensify and reach its normal pace by the end of January".
The exporter is counting on unfailing demand for oranges in several European markets. He says, "We expect solid demand from the big orange import centers like the Netherlands, Poland, and the United Kingdom, which already is starting. We're also expecting stronger-than-usual demand from Spain later in the season."
On the Asian front, Egyptian exporters continue to suffer from the repercussions of the Red Sea crisis. Maatouk says, "We continue to be severely impacted in terms of logistics. We are approaching the Far East markets with enormous caution."
The current citrus season was preceded by the Egyptian government's decision to cut export subsidies. In the case of agricultural exports, subsidies have been reduced from 8-10% to 2.4-3% of invoiced amounts, which could lead to higher prices. Maatouk comments: "The impact on orange export volumes will not be all that significant, since this is one of the top products from Egypt and the campaign will not be shaken easily with this measure."
"Prices are tough, though, and this will heat competition between exporters. In this respect, I reiterate R M Fresh's commitment to sourcing top-quality oranges at competitive prices," Maatouk concludes.
For more information:
Mohamed Maatouk
R M Fresh for import and export
Tel: +201221228020
Email: [email protected]
www.rm-fresh.com