Apricot Frost Damage News 01.05.25

Turkish Apricot Market in Chaos After Frost Disaster

The Turkish apricot market remains in turmoil following the devastating frost. Commodity prices have surged, doubling the value, and traders are refraining from announcing export prices, a situation likely to persist until the end of July.

Worst Frost in a Century

The market is extremely tense, with rain and cooler temperatures forecasted for this week, though these are overshadowed by the frost disaster two weeks ago. This frost event is considered the most severe that Türkiye has experienced in the last century.

Trade in Malatya Halted

Commodity prices have now doubled on the Turkish domestic market and are expected to rise even further over the coming weeks. Sulphured dried apricots are now around TL 350-400/kg, while organic produce is trading at up to TL 850/kg. However, there are no buyers at these prices, so trade in Malatya is largely at a standstill. The exporters who still have stocks are fulfilling their existing orders, while others are no longer able to do so. In addition, many exporters who no longer have any supplies in their warehouses have closed their plants and do not expect to be able to restart them in the 2025/26 season. Export prices are still not being quoted, and traders estimate that this will not change until the end of July.

Commodity prices on the domestic market have doubled and are expected to continue rising. Sulphured dried apricots are now priced at TL 350-400/kg. Despite these prices, there are no buyers, leading to a standstill in trade in Malatya. Exporters with remaining stocks are fulfilling existing orders, but many others are unable to do so. Numerous exporters have closed their plants due to depleted supplies and do not anticipate reopening until the 2025/26 season. Export prices remain unquoted, with traders estimating this will not change until the end of July.