Kiwifruit prices fall in key Asian markets in H1
Kiwifruit exports from New Zealand and Chile to major Asian markets shot up during the first half of this year, resulting in prices declining across the board. 
From January to July this year, Japan imported a total of 54,734 metric tons (MT), putting it 21% higher year-on-year, according to the country's Ministry of Finance.
The increase can largely be attributed to New Zealand, which supplied an additional 20% to the market, reaching 52,556MT. Chile is the second-largest supplier with 1,316MT, representing a 48% year-on-year increase.
Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) prices in Japan fell 17% over last year to reach an average price per kilogram of US$2.93. For New Zealand kiwifruit the price dropped 17% to US$2.96, while Chile's declined 14% to come in at US$1.92.
From January to July this year China imported 53,385MT, marking a 32% boost year-on-year, according to the Customs Information Center.
New Zealand shipped 60% more fruit than in 2014, with 34,507MT, while Chile saw a similar increase of 66% to total 9,748MT.
The average CIF price over the period was US$2,93 per kilogram, representing a 7% decline over 2014. The average price of New Zealand-origin kiwifruit fell 12% year-on-year to come in at US$3.30 per kilogram, while Chile registered a 14% decline with US$1.94.
South Korea also saw a substantial increase of 28% in volumes of imported kiwifruit, with 16,248MT over the period.
Figures from the Korean International Trade Association show New Zealand was the biggest supplier, shipping 11,055MT and marking a 19% year-on-year rise. Chile's volumes grew by 80% to reach 4,738MT.
CIF prices also fell in the South Korean market, this time by an average of 14% to reach US$2.39 per kilogram. New Zealand saw a larger drop than Chile, falling 15% compared to the South American country's 10% decline.
The price difference of fruit from the two different origins was the smallest in the Korean market, with New Zealand's average price of US$2.50 per kilogram and Chile's US$2.13.
Photo: www.shutterstock.com
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