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India's apple import surge slows down
India
Thursday 20 March 2008
Indian apple imports in 2007/08 may struggle to keep pace with last year's impressive growth due to an abundant domestic apple crop and less competitive pricing on supplies from the US and China, according to key importers.
Customs data reveals that apple imports surged by 50 per cent in 2006/07 to reach 48,982 tons, with the US accounting for over half of shipments and China and Chile also registering strong growth.
But trade has reportedly been slow this year. "The US apple crop is short this year, so prices are way up, and the import volume has gone down substantially same with China," said Yupaa's Ambrish Karvat.
NGK's Gagan Khosla noted that higher costs have hit China's competitive position. "Chinese Fuji did well here on the back of sharp pricing, but demand has fallen well below last year´s levels," he said. Nevertheless, he sees a brighter outlook for Southern Hemisphere apples as domestic stocks are dwindling.
Customs data reveals that apple imports surged by 50 per cent in 2006/07 to reach 48,982 tons, with the US accounting for over half of shipments and China and Chile also registering strong growth.
But trade has reportedly been slow this year. "The US apple crop is short this year, so prices are way up, and the import volume has gone down substantially same with China," said Yupaa's Ambrish Karvat.
NGK's Gagan Khosla noted that higher costs have hit China's competitive position. "Chinese Fuji did well here on the back of sharp pricing, but demand has fallen well below last year´s levels," he said. Nevertheless, he sees a brighter outlook for Southern Hemisphere apples as domestic stocks are dwindling.
