W10 Apple Update: Iran Raises Apple Export Duties to 35% in Mar-24, New Zealand Apple Season Starts Amidst China's Decreased Fruit Consumption, and South Korea's Apple Orchards Face Decline Due to Weather and Aging Trees

Iran Increases Apple Export Duties to Control Domestic Market Starting March 20, 2024

The Deputy Minister of Commercial Development of the Ministry of Agricultural Jihad reported that the export duties for apples will increase to 35% starting March 20, 2024. The export of apples with tariff code 08081000 will require the duties payment equal to 35% of its export value for three months at all executive customs. This increase in export duties aims to meet domestic demand and control the Shab-eid market, continuing a practice from previous years.

South Korea's Apple Orchards Expected to Decline in the Next Decade

The number of apple orchards in South Korea is anticipated to drop significantly in the next decade (2023 to 2033) due to extreme weather conditions and a decline in mature apple trees. The orchard area is projected to decrease from 33.8 thousand hectares (ha) to 30.9 thousand ha by 2033, with an annual reduction rate of about 1%. Several factors contribute to this decline, including advancements in apple varieties, closures of orchards, and an aging population. Apple production is expected to decrease from 502 thousand tons to 485 thousand tons, with per capita consumption also experiencing a slight decrease from 9.7 kilograms (kg) to 9.5 kg by 2033. Climate change has significantly affected the reduced apple harvests seen since the 2020s.

Delayed Royal Gala Apple Season in Chile Sees High Demand and Quality

In Chile, the Royal Gala apple season typically begins in February. However, it was delayed by about ten days in 2024. Despite the delay, Royal Gala apples are in very high demand, including from South America and India. Although the volumes are lower than in 2023, the quality of the apples is reported to be excellent.

Argentinian Local Apple Market Sees Growth in Jan-24

In Jan-24, the domestic apple market in Argentina saw a 21% interannual growth and a 3% rise compared to the previous five seasons. However, the market stayed down during Jan-24 and Feb-24, with producers receiving between USD 0.53 to 0.59/kg (ARS 450 to 500/kg) of apples. The market is expected to remain subdued in the coming months, with operators anticipating a difficult first half of 2024 for apple sales in the domestic market. The market's supply of value, not volume, remains a problem for the Valley.

New Zealand Apple Season Begins Amidst Decreased Fruit Consumption in China

Fruit consumption in China decreased after temperatures dropped and after the Lantern Festival. However, the New Zealand apple season started with the arrival of Red Rose and Gala varieties. Large boxes of Red Rose are currently priced at around USD 55.63 (RMB 400), while Gala apple prices stand at USD 65.37 (RMB 470). The high price of Gala apples is due to the shortage of American Red Rose apples and the short market availability of Gala varieties. The high prices of these apples result from the market's fluctuating supply.