Chinese pomelo exporters are expecting a reduced crop in 2012/13 and lower exports after last year’s bumper yields.
Industry players peg new-season volumes at 25-30 per cent down on last year when an estimated 1m tonnes was produced and some 150,000 tonnes exported.
Chinese pomelo importers and exporters are waiting with bated breath to see how the 2012/13 season will pan out after a particularly difficult deal last year.
Stricter EU controls on maximum pesticide residues following a series of Chinese pomelo breaches meant increased consignment checks on arrival in Europe and ultimately rejections.
But it seems lessons have been learned on pesticide use in China since last season’s experience. The Chinese government is reportedly trying to control pesticide sales, train farmers and will this season carry out its own sample checks of pomelos prior to export, issuing penalties to anyone found in breach of EU rules.
Individual exporters, too, are getting their act together. Chinese pomelo exporter Jining Sanglong Fruit & Vegetable Co said this year it will enhance its residue tests before exporting goods, keeping strict records of each and every batch.
Jining’s Kathy Ma said her firm expected to dispatch its first consignment to Europe on August 15 this season, and envisaged strong demand in both western and eastern European markets.
Pomelo demand is growing on the domestic front too, she added, which in turn could affect export volumes.
Arie Havelaar of Dutch importer Cool Fresh anticipates a potential struggle for some European firms in securing adequate supplies this season as a result.
“The current harvest prognosis – which indicates that the volume for the coming season will be down by up to 30 per cent, plus a very good local market will definitely result in 'hard' negotiations being required by Western importers in order to secure their volumes,” he said.
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