The cold and wet winter of 2023 provided favourable conditions for deciduous fruit and aided in improved production volumes. Production is expected to grow and improve in quality from MY 2022/23 when fruit was affected by hail damage. Despite pressure on the Port of Cape Town, industry solutions including increased use of Port Elizabeth will bolster the volumes of increased export-quality fruit that is able to reach markets. Post revises MY 2023/24 production of pears and table grapes upwards, while apple production is revised slightly downward on stagnated growth in area. Pear production for MY 2022/23 is revised upwards on updated production estimates and confirmed export figures.
Exports
Post revises MY 2023/24 table grapes exports upwards to 340,000 MT, showing a 20 percent hike on expected improvement in export quality production. Exports are also supported by a weaker exchange rate against the U.S. dollar and lower freight costs compared to MY 2022/23. Post forecasts pear exports will rise by 16 percent to 280,000 MT in MY 2023/24 on increased production of exportable supply, a weaker Rand exchange rate and easing of freight costs. Post forecasts that in MY 2023/24 imports will decline further to 30 MT based on an increase in production for local supply.
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Source: apps.fas.usda.gov