The key factor contributing to a positive trade balance in the agricultural sector over the past 8 months, from January to August, has been the rise in prices of fruit and vegetable products. This is evident from the processed data provided by the Incofruit Hellas Exporters Association, suggesting that the year is expected to conclude with a surplus.
Specifically, the export of fresh fruits and vegetables for the first eight months of 2023 reached 1.254 million tons, a 13.77% increase compared to the corresponding period last year, totalling 1.131 billion euros (a 21.6% increase). The main contributors to the export value growth were cherries, with prices rising by 37.7%, and bell peppers (Bulgarian type) by 24.4%.
Oranges saw a price increase of 22.7%, apples by 21.2%, cucumbers by 20.7%, and apricots by 20.4%. According to official data, the average price of vegetables increased by 7.8%, while fruits saw a 6.7% increase.
The crucial factor was the more favourable price at which they were exported, especially considering that the export volumes of summer fruits and vegetables decreased by 9.5%.
For the first 8 months of 2023, a surplus of 527.991 million euros is already evident (including fruits and vegetables at 1,349 million euros), compared to a deficit of 425.17 million euros in the corresponding period of 2022 (including fruits and vegetables at 1,349 million euros).
"The remaining months of 2023 are the peak season for importing fruits and vegetables into our country. However, it is anticipated that the year will close with a surplus estimated at 400 million euros in terms of export volumes, exceeding 1,700 million tons," says George Polychronakis, a special advisor to the Incofruit Hellas Association.
source: rua.gr