China: Imported fruits too expensive due to bad weather
Like durians, mangosteens are also expensive this time of the year. Mangosteens are at 78 yuan per half a kilo.
Based on the data of Wenzhou Agricultural Wholesale Trading Market, most imported fruits are generally more expensive this year compared to last year with an increase of 10-30%. Last year imported plums are at 10 yuan/half a kilo, now they’re at 16.8 yuan/half a kilo. American Red apples were at 12.8 yuan last year and are now at 16.8 yuan per half a kilo. Vietnamese pitaya last year were at 4-5 yuan and are now selling at 6-5 yuan.
Wholesalers blame the increase in prices on bad weather. Last year, South American Chile peaches, plums, etc., were affected by heavy snow, decreasing yields and increasing prices. Tropical fruit bearing countries in Southeast Asia were affect by the cold front, delaying production, causing less supply and unable to meet consumer demands, resulting in higher prices.