📊 Apricot Market Analysis: Frost Impact and Price Volatility in Malatya

📈 Market Overview

Farmers in Malatya are currently facing significant challenges due to frost damage, leading to increased costs from pruning and spraying operations. The uncertainty surrounding the apricot harvest has resulted in highly variable local market prices, with raw material prices ranging between 200 TL and 360 TL. The difficulty in securing raw materials is impacting exporters, while farmers, concerned about the low harvest, are hesitant to sell or are demanding higher prices. This situation is exacerbated by the disparity between the high prices of other agricultural products and the lower-than-expected prices for apricots, causing distress among farmers about their future.

📉 Recent Price Movements

Type	Price (USD)	Previous Price (USD)	Change (%)
No: 1, unsulphured, organic	6.30	6.30	0%
No: 5, sulphured (2000 ppm)	5.20	4.85	+7.22%
Cubes, no – 0	6.43	6.43	0%

🌍 Key Market Drivers

• USDA reports and local agricultural policies may influence future market dynamics.
• Speculative positioning and stock levels in major trading hubs.

⛅ Weather Outlook – Malatya Region

The upcoming weather forecast for Malatya shows mild temperatures with no immediate frost threats, which may provide some relief to the apricot farmers and potentially stabilize the market.

🔮 Price Forecast – Next 3 Days

Date	Expected Price Range (USD)
Next Day	5.00 – 6.50
Following Day	5.00 – 6.50
Third Day	5.00 – 6.50

📌 Conclusion & Strategic Recommendations

• 🛒 Buyers: Monitor the market closely for any significant changes in price due to local interventions or changes in weather conditions.
• 🏭 Sellers: Consider securing contracts at current prices to hedge against potential future declines.
• 📊 Traders: Keep an eye on global market trends and USDA reports that could affect speculative positions.