The global apricot market is riding a wave of optimism as India’s Ladakh region expands its high-value Halman apricot exports to new destinations in the Gulf, signaling robust demand for premium, organically grown fruit. On August 5, a milestone shipment of 1.5 tonnes was flagged off toward Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar, supported by APEDA and retail giants like the Lulu Group. This consignment marks a new era for Ladakh apricots after impressive early results—50 tonnes shipped abroad this year, up from 20 tonnes to Dubai in 2021. Ladakh’s apricot sector underpins the livelihoods of over 30,000 families and stands out for its organically cultivated, GI-tagged Raktsey Karoo variety. With peak harvest underway (mid-July to late August), the region contributes over 15,800 tonnes annually, including almost 2,000 tonnes of dried fruit, reinforcing its dominant position in the Indian and regional market.
Meanwhile, Turkish dried apricot prices remain stable, with top grades quoted between €5.38 and €6.23 FCA Dordrecht, NL. The Iranian sector reports lower price points but faces fierce competition as Indian exports grow. Favorable growing conditions in the main producing regions, steady international demand, and new market access for premium Indian apricots suggest sustained market buoyancy in the near term.
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Apricots dried
Cubes, no - 8
FCA 5.38 €/kg
(from NL)
Apricots dried
Cubes, no - 6
FCA 5.77 €/kg
(from NL)
Apricots dried
Cubes, no - 5
FCA 5.77 €/kg
(from NL)
📈 Market Prices
| Product | Type / Grade | Origin | Location | Delivery | Price (EUR / kg) |
Prev. Price | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apricots dried | Cubes, no – 8 | TR | Dordrecht, NL | FCA | 5.38 | 5.40 | 2025-08-07 |
| Apricots dried | Cubes, no – 6 | TR | Dordrecht, NL | FCA | 5.77 | 5.79 | 2025-08-07 |
| Apricots dried | Cubes, no – 5 | TR | Dordrecht, NL | FCA | 5.77 | 5.79 | 2025-08-07 |
| Apricots dried (Organic) | No: 4, unsulphured | TR | Ankara, TR | FOB | 5.84 | 5.84 | 2025-08-05 |
| Apricots dried (Organic) | No: 3, unsulphured | TR | MALATYA, TR | FOB | 6.07 | 6.07 | 2025-08-05 |
| Apricots dried | Premium, >30mm | IR | Tehran, IR | FOB | 2.46 | 2.46 | 2025-07-23 |
| Apricots dried | Jumbo, premium, >30mm | IR | Tehran, IR | FOB | 3.69 | 3.69 | 2025-07-23 |
Market sentiment: Stable to firm for premium and organic, more competitive at lower grades.
🌍 Supply & Demand Overview
- Ladakh, India: 15,868 tonnes annual production, with 1,999 tonnes dried; peak harvest July–August.
- Turkey: Still dominant in global dried supply; prices steady and supported by consistent international demand.
- Iran: Competitive pricing but under pressure from Indian and Turkish expansion.
- Middle East & Gulf: Growing appetite for premium and organic varieties, especially Indian and Turkish origins.
📊 Market Drivers
- Ladakh exports surge: 50 tonnes shipped internationally this year; new Gulf access expected to spur further growth.
- Geographical Indication (GI) tag: Raktsey Karoo variety from Ladakh recognized, boosting brand and price premium.
- Market shift towards organics: Strong consumer demand for chemical-free, high-quality produce.
- Stable Turkish output: No significant weather disruptions reported; Turkish prices flat, with high-capacity supply chains.
- Iranian value offer: Lower prices but limited scaling due to logistics and market access constraints.
- Speculative activity low: Apricot markets tend towards commercial/fundamental rather than speculative volatility.
⛅ Weather Outlook for Key Regions
- Ladakh, India: Mild and favorable during main harvest; no major adverse events expected—excellent for fruit quality and drying potential.
- Malatya, Turkey: Typical summer conditions; water supplies and temperatures adequate for finishing harvest and processing.
- Iran: Stable with sufficient heat; minor regional drought risks but no significant threat to main apricot belt.
📦 Fundamental Data & Production Comparison
| Region | Total Output (t) | Dried Output (t) | 2025 Export Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ladakh (IN) | 15,868 | 1,999 | Strong, +150% YoY (vs 2021) |
| Turkey | Approx. 800,000* | ~100,000* | Stable |
| Iran | Est. 350,000* | n/a | Competitive, stable |
*Turkey and Iran production are FAO-based estimates incl. fresh and dried forms.
📆 Trading Outlook & Recommendations
- Exporters (India/Ladakh): Continue scaling up – consider branding and value-added (organic/GI) for Gulf and premium segments.
- Buyers (EU/ME/North America): Secure forward contracts for premium/organic dried as prices remain stable but upside risk possible.
- Traders: Leverage price spread between Turkish supplies and new premium entrants from India/organic markets.
- Retailers: Highlight Indian GI and organic credentials for differentiation in high-margin retail segments.
- Speculators: Market conditions remain fundamentally driven – low volatility, focus on supply chain disruptions for opportunities.
🔮 3-Day Regional Price Forecast
| Location | Product/Type | Forecast Price (EUR/kg) | Sentiment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dordrecht, NL | Dried apricot, Cubes no. 8 | 5.38–5.40 | Stable |
| MALATYA, TR | Dried apricot, No. 4 unsulphured | 5.35 | Stable |
| Tehran, IR | Dried apricot, Jumbo | 3.65–3.75 | Stable to slightly firm |
Outlook: No significant short-term price movement expected. Monitor for logistical updates or late-weather anomalies.
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