The end of 2024 marked a notable crisis in the mandarin market, with significant consequences for Europe, Turkey, and even Central Asia. While European consumers face exceptionally high prices, tangerine producers and traders are navigating declining harvests, fluctuating demand and logistical constraints. Return to the causes and implications of this situation.
Turkey, the world leader in mandarin exports by volume, saw a drastic drop in its harvest in 2024, mainly due to weather anomalies. This decline has disrupted European and Middle Eastern markets, where the country plays a key role in setting prices. According to fruit and vegetable market expert Fedir Rybalko, the reduced harvest forced Turkish producers to increase their purchase prices from farmers, while demand in Russia and Ukraine fell sharply due to the devaluation of the ruble and inflation.
In Europe, consumers are seeing unprecedented increases. In Latvia, for example, Marite Gailite, an expert from the Latvijas dārznieks association, reports retail prices reaching €1.99/kg, even for fruit of questionable quality. In Italy, prices for the cheapest varieties are now around €2/kg, an unusual level for this traditionally affordable seasonal fruit. This price surge is explained by limited supply and logistical problems, aggravated by counterfeit phytosanitary certificates detected on shipments from Pakistan.
The crisis is not limited to Europe. In Central Asia, tangerine prices have doubled from their usual level. Countries like Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, which are largely dependent on imports, are feeling the repercussions of this global crisis.
The crisis does not necessarily benefit producers. Turkish packing centers posted losses at the start of the season, selling their products below production costs to cope with falling demand. In Russia, importers are also suffering, as the devaluation of the ruble has sharply increased the cost of mandarins in local currencies, further reducing demand.
Read also: Mandarins: Promising prospects for Moroccan producers in Southeast Asia
Despite everything, Turkish exporters remain hopeful. An expert explains that the drop in Turkish imports to Ukraine – from 43,000 tonnes in December 2023 to 33,000 tonnes in December 2024 – was partially offset by an increase in Greek exports. Turkish producers, for their part, anticipate price increases in other markets, particularly in Europe, and prefer to wait before signing new contracts.
The mandarin crisis of 2024 illustrates the fragilities of a globalized market in the face of climatic, economic and logistical hazards. For consumers, this season will be marked by high prices and limited choices. As for producers and traders, they will have to adapt to a rapidly changing context. One thing is certain: cheap tangerines are not there this year.
Source : east-fruit
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