- Exports in May were well ahead of expectations at 7,904 tons, compared to 5,941 tons last year, an increase of 33%
- Exports year to date are 91,490 tons compared to 87,419 tons last year, an increase of 5%
- Average export price for whole apricots for May was $2658/ton FOB compared to $3109 last year.
Surprisingly strong figure for May, demand is really picking up at these low prices. It seems now that exports for the season will reach 100,000 tons well ahead of the past 2 years. Carryover will be around one months supply.
The new crop continues to develop, some hail and rain over the past few days have so far not impacted the quality to any great extent, but the weather is unsettled, lets hope it settles before harvest. Crop is expected to be 110,000 tons, very similar to the last 2 years.
The Lira has strengthened by around 6% over the past month and is currently trading at 5.85 to the $.
Prices for both current crop and new crop are stable having increased due to the stronger Lira. There appears to be good interest in pricing for new crop now, with buyers looking to lock in these levels for the season.