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Prunes: hardly any Chilean goods left

October 18, 2021 at 4:26 PM , Der AUDITOR
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SANTIAGO. Buyers' fears have come true and prices for prunes, both from Chile and the USA, have continued to rise. This is due to the prospect of low crops and the already prevailing shortage of goods.

France also expects low crop

As expected, prices for Chilean prunes on the European sports market have once again risen significantly compared to September and are now over EUR 5.00/kg FCA Spain for pitted prunes, 30/40. The problem is that Chile's crop is estimated to be significantly smaller than last season and there are hardly any stocks left. In addition, the Chilean crop will not be available for about half a year. Prices for US goods are also rising as supplies become tighter due to the global prune shortage. Catz experts also report that market players who had hoped for France's crop will also be disappointed, as it is also expected to be small. Traders are trying to fulfil existing contracts, and new buyers are losing out. Relief is not likely to come until next year when the Chilean crop is available - and even then, availability is still expected to be low.

Prunes, Chile

Type

EUR/kg

Pitted, 30/40

5.05

Pitted, 40/50

4.95

Pitted, 50/60

4.85

FCA Spain

USA knocks Chile off its throne

Germany's prune imports for the period September 2020 to August 2021 total 10,815 mt, up 3.6% on the same period last year. The USA has replaced Chile as the most important supplier this season and was able to increase its exports to Germany by 4.7% to 3,890 mt, while Chile's shipments fell drastically by -17.4%. Serbia achieved the highest percentage increase - the country delivered almost 135% more prunes to Germany than last season. France's export increase to Germany was also impressive with a plus of 41%.

Prune* imports, Germany, in mt

Country

2019/20

2020/21

Diff.

USA

3,714

3,890

4.7%

Chile

4,319

3,568

-17.4%

Netherlands

829

999

20.5%

France

564

795

41.0%

Turkey

217

281

29.5%

Serbia

109

256

134.9%

Uzbekistan

132

135

2.3%

Argentina

300

119

-60.3%

Others

251

772

207.6%

Total

10,435

10,815

3.6%

Federal Statistical Office of Germany / Sep-Aug

*08132000 Dried prunes

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