Shatang tangerines enter the Chengdu market in large volumes every year in winter. This attracts crowds of customers who are eager to buy even though the price is relatively high. This year, as the Chinese Spring Festival [February 5th, 2019] is approaching, the Shatang tangerines are displayed on the shelves in supermarkets, but customers are not as eager as before. The price of Shatang tangerines drops from one low to another. The cheapest currently cost 4 yuan [0.59 USD] per 0.5 kg.
Some traders state that the price of Shatang tangerines has been struggling since the moment the fruit entered the market in December. The wholesale price started out at 7 yuan [1.04 USD] per 0.5 kg, but has since dropped to 3-5 yuan [0.44-0.74 USD]. Top-quality Shatang tangerines sell for 5 yuan [0.74 USD], but they used to sell for 7 yuan [1.04 USD] in previous years.
The traders further explain that the price is low because supply greatly exceeds demand. The overall surface area devoted to Shatang tangerine plantation greatly expanded since the fruit first entered the market in 2012. The Shatang tangerine started out as an exquisite, rare tangerine, but has quickly become a common fruit in the market. The golden days are over, and one can only hope that the price of Shatang tangerines will remain stable in years to come.
Source: Tianfu Morning News