The previous pear export season is almost over, and some of the early-season pear varieties of next season will begin their harvest in late June. The weather conditions were excellent in major production areas and so the Chinese pear industry may experience an abundant harvest this year. Ms. Li Xixi, spokesperson for Hebei Xionghan Agricultural Produce Co., Ltd., recently talked about current conditions in pear production areas as well as predictions for the export market.
Manager Li first introduced the conditions in production areas. "The overall surface area devoted to pear plantation in Hebei is more or less the same as last year. The trees have already begun to bear fruit. And farmers are busily placing protective bags around the young pears. If the weather remains unchanged in the next few weeks, then the first harvest will begin in late June.
The retail of pears from last season is almost over. Exporters have generally begun to make preparations for next season. "Medium- to large-scale suppliers have almost completely emptied their warehouses. Under regular conditions the market runs out of old pears by late May. This year, however, several traders hoarded their pears earlier in the season because the production volume declined and the pandemic broke out. They still have a pears in storage, but their quality is poor. If these pears are not yet sold out by the beginning of July, then that will have an impact on the price of fresh pears."
"Our clients in overseas markets tell us that Malaysia has recently gone into another lockdown which affects retail. The volume of traders in wholesale markets in the Philippines and Vietnam has dropped by around 70%. Deliveries have significantly slowed down. Other Asian markets also suffer from unmarketable conditions. In addition, many countries experience a third wave of Covid-19 cases. All of these developments have caused changed in consumption patterns. In the domestic market, although many seasonal fruits have entered the market, demand for pears has declined somewhat. Supply speed is slowing down. Furthermore, the outbreak of cases in Guangzhou has reduced the number of traders in wholesale markets, which has an impact on retail," said manager Li. "In the end, conditions have not been great in the last few months, not in the domestic market and not in overseas markets."
As for shipping, the price of shipping has been high since October last year. Shipowners of European shipping companies were reluctant to take initiative, and cargo space was difficult to find. Furthermore, many ships have been significantly delayed. In Oceania and South America the empty shipping containers are piling up, which causes congestion and slows down trade.
When asked about market predictions for the next few months, manager Li replied, "there are three key elements that decide the retail conditions of fresh pears next season. First, the recovery from the pandemic and the ratio of vaccinations. Second, the fluctuations in shipping cost. And third, the leftover volume of pears from last season. However, no matter the situation, the price is likely to be much lower than last season."
Manager Li also shared her prediction for the export market this year. "I think that overseas market demand will remain uncertain and the export price unstable while the world recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic. And import fruit also competes with domestic fruit. People are cautious about the new production season and the new retail season. This year the harvest will likely be abundant. I think we should maintain product quality and aim to expand market influence. I also hope that a growing number of overseas consumers will come to know of the delicious and unique flavor of top-quality Chinese pears."
For more information:
Ms. Li Xixi - Manager
Hebei Xionghan Agricultural Produce Co., Ltd.
Tel.: 0086-17503202183
Tel.: 0086-311-84335033
WhatsApp: +64211840824
E-mail: xixi.li@xgfreshproduce.com