Moldova exported just over 19 000 tonnes of apples in March this year. This is more than the February exports (almost 15 000 tonnes) but significantly less than the average level of March exports over the past five years (about 25 000 tonnes), EastFruit notes. In March 2022 – the initial and, in some sense, the most difficult stage of the war in Ukraine – about 11 000 tonnes were exported, in the same month of 2021 – almost 19 000 tonnes, 2020 – 27 000 tonnes.
Last month, the Russian market took less than 50% of Moldovan apple exports – 9 800 tonnes. The TOP-3 countries-buyers are Kazakhstan (5 600 tonnes) and Romania (1 400 tonnes – the same as exports in February). Moldova also exported a large volume of apples to the UAE market – 549 tonnes, Saudi Arabia – 340 tonnes, and Oman – more than 100 tonnes. In general, about 1 000 tonnes of apples have been exported from Moldova by sea through the ports of Romania in March.
Specialists of organizations of agricultural producers, referring to the data of the customs service of Moldova, note that the average March price for exported apples is $0.77/kg. In their opinion, “given the situation in traditional markets and the still difficult logistics, this is a good price.”
Slightly intensified exports in March were converted into a slight increase in the minimum wholesale prices for Gala, Granny Smith, Golden apple varieties by $0.01-0.02/kg in early April. Market operators believe that the gradual increase in the price of apples will continue this month.
For more information: east-fruit.com