South African blood oranges have recently entered the market. According to traders, the original 15-kilogram cartons are priced at approximately $33.06–$34.45 per box, with arrival quality and pricing comparable to previous years. Many traders are repackaging the original cartons into 8.5-kilogram medium and small boxes to reduce losses and meet consumer preferences for smaller packaging. These 8.5-kilogram boxes are sold at around $19.96 each. In contrast, fewer traders are handling South African sweet oranges. Some have reported high spoilage rates and suboptimal quality in early arrivals.
Left: South African blood oranges; Right: South African lemons
South African lemon prices vary significantly depending on appearance and condition. Premium fruit with a bright yellow peel and better shape is selling for around $34.45–$35.84 per box, while batches with a greener appearance are priced lower, at $30.34–$33.06 per box. Chinese lemons remain stable in price, ranging from $37.24 to $38.62 per box, with some high-quality batches nearing $41.41. Traders noted that Chinese lemons continue to perform well in the market. Although some South African lemons are cheaper, their greener skin makes them less attractive to buyers. South African Maogu tangerines also arrived earlier this season. Traders noted that compared to the Nova variety, Maogu tangerines are more favored by consumers due to their superior taste. Meanwhile, the price of South African grapefruit remains stable and is higher than during the same period last year, at around $19.29 per box. Traders have commented that this year's quality has improved compared to previous seasons.
Left: Washington Black Pearl cherries; Right: Australian oranges
Prices for some brands of Australian oranges have risen by approximately 10%, with large-box formats selling for $30.34–$33.06 per box. This increase is attributed to better overall quality. The supply of New Zealand Gala apples has decreased, and their price has consistently remained above $41.41 per box. In addition, both Australian Maogu tangerines and Peruvian tangerines have recently arrived.
The U.S. Washington cherry market continues to be weak. The 9.5R specification of the Black Pearl variety, known for its superior quality and taste, is currently selling for about $62.21 per box, a drop from earlier prices. Other varieties are even more competitively priced.
The arrival volume of Thai coconuts has increased, leading to a market decline. Large coconuts are now priced at around $8.29 per box, roughly consistent with pricing during the same period in previous years.
Left: Vietnamese Monthong durians; Right: Thai mangosteens
The imported durian market has experienced fluctuations in recent days, with a wide price range. A6-grade fruit is typically priced between $82.90 and $89.79 per box, while premium batches are fetching around $96.69. The supply of Vietnamese Monthong durians continues to increase, narrowing the price gap between Vietnamese and Thai ones. Some traders indicated that current pricing is more dependent on the quality of the arriving fruit rather than the country of origin. Vietnamese Monthong durians are not necessarily cheaper than their Thai counterparts.
Meanwhile, a surge in Thai mangosteen arrivals over the past two weeks has impacted the market. Due to larger volumes and a drop in quality compared to last year, prices have been declining since the Dragon Boat Festival. Currently, 3A-grade mangosteens are selling for around $13.83 per box, approximately 15% lower than the same period last year.
