In the recent fruit market, citrus fruits from Australia and South Africa are arriving in succession. Imported grapes are nearing the end of their season, with reduced volumes and unsatisfactory pricing. Meanwhile, coconut arrivals have declined, leading to smoother sales, and durian arrivals have slightly increased compared to last week.
Australian oranges have just entered the market, currently priced at around US$42.75–US$44.15 per box. Some traders noted that initial pricing is relatively conservative, given the current consumer climate. This year's market launch is slightly later than last year but about two weeks earlier than in previous years.
Left: Australian oranges; Right: Australian grapes
As for other imported citrus fruits, arrivals of South African oranges, mainly the Nova variety, have increased, though prices remain relatively stable. The supply of South African grapefruits is also gradually rising, with prices mostly ranging from US$19.30 to US$22.05 per box, roughly the same as last week. Additionally, small quantities of South African sweet oranges and Australian mandarins have arrived, but due to limited volumes, they have yet to appear on market stalls.
Left: Thai durians; Right: South African oranges
Imported grapes are at the tail end of the season, with fewer arriving and fewer available for sale. Overall, the market remains sluggish. Traders reported that the price of Australian Crimson grapes has dropped significantly compared to the same period in previous years, currently selling for around US$15.15 per box. Some carton-packaged batches are priced even lower. Traders attributed this to weak terminal sales, which have slowed wholesale movement. Additionally, some grape batches lack firmness. Meanwhile, domestically produced grapes have entered the market with good quality, abundant bloom, and lower prices, further impacting the sales of imported grapes.
Left: Loquat in gift boxes; Right: Xinjiang apricots
Fewer imported coconuts have arrived recently, and with rising temperatures, market demand has increased, leading to smoother sales. Currently, large Thai coconuts sell for about US$10.35 per box, while extra-large Vietnamese coconuts are priced around US$8.95 per box. Some traders mentioned that although the cost of Vietnamese coconuts remains high, market price acceptance is limited, so their selling price must remain lower than Thai coconuts, compressing profit margins.
Durian arrivals have increased this week compared to last, but the absence of recent holiday effects has reduced market demand, leading to a weaker market than the previous week. Currently, Thai A6 Monthong durians are priced at around US$89.65–US$96.55 per box, down by US$2.75–US$4.15 per box from last week. Some traders noted that the end of the college entrance examination last weekend provided a slight sales boost, but the overall impact was limited.
Left: Dali winter jujubes; Right: Sichuan peaches
In the past two weeks, more domestic fruits have entered the market, such as Xinjiang apricots and Dali winter jujubes, which are early in their production season and currently arriving in small volumes. Among the seasonal fruits more commonly seen at market stalls are Sichuan loquats and peaches from Yunnan and Sichuan. Most loquats sold are large in size, and boutique gift box packaging is also available. Pineapples are in high supply, but sales are slow. Some traders mentioned that during this year's pineapple season, the Mango Pineapple (Tainung No. 23) has been popular and commands a premium, with peak prices reaching around US$24.80 per box.