China: Imported fruits too expensive due to bad weather

The price of durian was only at 11-12 yuan per half a kilo last year. This year it has increased to 18.8 yuan per half a kilo. Most of durians come from Thailand and are very expensive. Vietnamese durian will also be hitting Chinese supermarket shelves for the first time, at a promotional price of only 9.9 yuan per half a kilo. But most Chinese still do not know what they taste like.

Like durians, mangosteens are also expensive this time of the year. Mangosteens are at 78 yuan per half a kilo.

Based on the data of Wenzhou Agricultural Wholesale Trading Market, most imported fruits are generally more expensive this year compared to last year with an increase of 10-30%. Last year imported plums are at 10 yuan/half a kilo, now they’re at 16.8 yuan/half a kilo. American Red apples were at 12.8 yuan last year and are now at 16.8 yuan per half a kilo. Vietnamese pitaya last year were at 4-5 yuan and are now selling at 6-5 yuan.

Wholesalers blame the increase in prices on bad weather. Last year, South American Chile peaches, plums, etc., were affected by heavy snow, decreasing yields and increasing prices. Tropical fruit bearing countries in Southeast Asia were affect by the cold front, delaying production, causing less supply and unable to meet consumer demands, resulting in higher prices.