Many countries across the globe have closed their borders in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. These measures have a certain effect on the international fruit and vegetable market. Malaysia closed the borders last week. The closed border has had a great impact on the durian trade between Malaysia and China. In addition, other countries around China have taken similar measures. Vietnam and Thailand closed their borders with Cambodia. Vietnam and Thailand are still trading with China for now, and they are currently supplying mangoes.
Mr. Xiao Lin of Beijing Lin Family Yi Jia Trade Center recently shared his analysis of current conditions in the mango market: "We are currently selling mangoes from Thailand, Vietnam, and Hainan in the market in Beijing. International trade is struggling at the moment because of the COVID-19 pandemic. We also experience the impact of the global spread of the corona virus. For example, we are having some difficulties importing mangoes from Thailand. The main reason for this problem is delay at the border. Customs take longer to process import fruit. The majority of import mangoes have begun the ripening process before they arrive. We therefore have to rush when we try to sell them, otherwise the mangoes will spoil and we waste our products. In the end, this also puts additional pressure on us to sell our stock."
When asked about variations in customer requests, Mr. Xiao Lin replied that he can supply many different mango varieties. "Each mango variety has its own price, and every price attracts a different consumer group. The sales season of Hainan mangoes has just reached its peak. The supply volume is large and demand is high as well. The most popular mango variety is Hong Jin Long [Red Golden Dragon], and the price is relatively high. However, the product quality is excellent and market demand for this mango variety is always high. The price of Hainan mangoes is slightly higher than the prices of mangoes from Thailand and Vietnam.
"The reason for this variation is the difference in flavor. The flavor of Hainan mangoes is at its best during the peak sales period. In addition, rainfall is relatively scarce in Hainan. The mangoes benefit from these conditions and develop a great flavor and excellent product quality. There is only one drawback, light rainfall affected the production volume this year. The overall production volume slightly declined, but sales are still going well."
"The price of Hainan mangoes is slightly higher than in previous years, because the production volume is somewhat smaller. Furthermore, the mangoes were early this year. They entered the market even before the Chinese Spring Festival [25 January, 2020]. The peak period of Hainan mango sales will continue until the end of May. When the Hainan mango production season comes to an end, the production seasons in Guangdong and Guangxi will begin. Based on a broad view of the market, I would say that the price of mangoes will show a downward trend in the coming months, in particular after May when a growing number of production areas will supply mangoes to the Chinese market. That will put pressure on the market price."
For more information:
Mr. Xiao Lin
Beijing Lin Family Yi Jia Trade Center
Tel.: +86 186 0003 7753
E-mail: 294344128@qq.com