W13 Apple Update: Peruvian Apple Exports Plummeted in Mar-24, Ukraine's Apple Exports Set to Decline in UAE Market, Vietnam's High Demand for New Zealand Apples May Lead to Price Drop

Peruvian Apple Exports Dropped by 84% YoY in Mar-24

In the first three weeks of Mar-24, Peru's apple exports reached 265 tons, marking an 84% year-over-year (YoY) decline. 80% of these exports were fresh apples, with the remaining 20% processed into juice. Colombia emerged as the primary market, accounting for 80% of the total volume, equivalent to 212 tons. The Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico were significant destinations, each receiving a 10% share.

Ukrainian Apple Exports to UAE Expected to Drop with New Southern Hemisphere Harvests

Ukraine has become a major exporter of high-quality apples, especially to the Middle East countries, where it ranks second behind Iran. Despite obstacles like a blockade on direct container transportation and labor shortages, Ukraine exported apples to 22 countries in Jan-24. Ukrainian apples are highly sought after for their quality and competitive prices. However, a slight decrease in demand was expected in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Feb-24, as new harvests from the Southern Hemisphere arrived.

The 2024 New Zealand Apple Season Began Making Its Appearance in Vietnam

In late Mar-24, the Vietnamese market welcomed the first shipments of New Zealand apples for the season. Varieties like Breeze and Jugala have been particularly well-received for their freshness and sweet, crispy texture. At the Ho Chi Minh wholesale market, the price of these apples stood between USD 36 and USD 38 per 18-kilogram (kg) carton during W12. Wholesalers anticipate a gradual price decline as more apple containers arrive in Vietnam in the coming weeks, offering a wider variety of apples.

20% YoY Surge in Apple Sapling Demand Hits Korean Market After Natural Disasters

The Korean seedling market experienced a 20% YoY surge in demand for apple saplings in 2024 due to natural disasters. The Iwon Seedling Market in Okcheon has witnessed a notable increase in farmers seeking apple varieties such as 'Arisu' and 'Sinano Gold', replacing traditional varieties. Additionally, there is a growing demand for new varieties of fruit trees, with peach saplings selling for USD 14.84 to 22.26 (KRW 20,000 to 30,000) per tree. In contrast, there has been a decline in demand for grape seedlings, while persimmon seedlings are also experiencing a downturn in interest.

Thailand's Bid to Reopen South African Apple Exports After 16-Year Ban

Thailand is negotiating to re-open the export market for South African apples after 16 years of bans due to administrative errors. The market value was around USD 6.7 million during the ban. Thai Department of Agriculture inspectors recently visited South Africa to assess local production conditions and re-open the market. The visit included inspections of orchards and packhouses and visits to cold stores and container depots. Hortgro's General Manager of Trade and Markets expressed excitement about the prospects of exporting South African apples to Thailand and strengthening trade relations between the two countries.

Tasmanian Apple Harvest Season Shows Resilience in 2024

The 2024 Tasmanian apple harvest started on Feb-24 and will continue until May-24, with early varieties like Royal Gala and Smitten being harvested first. Tasmanian apple growers have shown resilience by adapting and innovating, ensuring the industry's continual progress. In the Huon Valley, three orchards cultivate unique Tasmanian apple varieties such as 'Tiger Fuji', 'Rubigold', and 'Southern Bliss'. Tasmanian apples are exported to Papua New Guinea.