Turkish Dried Apricots Market Report December 2015

December 2015 Apricot Update

Shipments in in September were a robust 8,624 tons,  a 65% increase over the 5,205 tons exported the previous year.

Year to date exports are 31,878 tons a 58% increase over the 21,149 tons in the same period last year.

With domestic consumption in addition to the above we have now moved roughly 50% of the available supply, and with 8 months to go until new crop, exports will have to slow considerably.

As we said last month, arrivals in the market in Malatya have slowed to a crawl as growers have now sold all they intend to before the bloom in March/April. Any lots that do come to the market are bought by packers immediately. If exports do not slow, then prices may have to rise.

The banning of imports of dried apricots by Russia will have limited effect, Russia buys mainly for winter seasonal consumption, and much of that has already been shipped, we estimate a further 3,000 tons could have been shipped from now until new crop, some of which may find its way in through the back door in any event.

Prices have remained steady over the past month. The Lira has also remained steady, and is currently at 2.91 to the $.