The global dried apricot market is entering a phase of anticipation as exporters and producers prepare for the upcoming new season. With European holidays approaching, exports have nearly come to a halt, ushering in a period of quiet reflection and strategic planning among industry players, particularly in Turkey, the world’s leading apricot producer. This pause comes after a season marred by significant frost damage, putting crop protection and risk management at the forefront of farmer and policymaker discussions. Agricultural insurance uptake has noticeably risen, as many seek to shield themselves from climatic volatility, which continues to threaten the sector’s stability. Simultaneously, persistently high input costs and general inflationary pressures are prompting calls for higher pricing of dried apricot raw materials, though immediate adjustments are on hold pending clearer signals from international demand—especially from European buyers expected to return in the new year. At present, prices remain steady, while all eyes turn to orchard conditions and government support mechanisms poised to safeguard next season’s crop. The market’s collective patience, weather outlook for Anatolia, and evolving global trade conditions will set the tone for the coming weeks.
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Apricots dried
no: 5, unsulphured
FOB 9.70 €/kg
(from TR)
Apricots dried
no: 4, unsulphured, organic
FOB 5.84 €/kg
(from TR)
Apricots dried
no: 4, unsulphured
FOB 10.00 €/kg
(from TR)
📈 Prices & Exchange Summary
| Product | Type | Origin | Location | Delivery | Price (EUR/kg) | Previous Price (EUR/kg) | Update Date | Sentiment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apricots dried | No: 5, Unsulphured | TR | Malatya | FOB | 9.70 | 9.70 | 2025-12-17 | Stable |
| Apricots dried (Organic) | No: 4, Unsulphured | TR | Ankara | FOB | 5.84 | 5.84 | 2025-12-17 | Stable |
| Apricots dried | No: 4, Unsulphured | TR | Malatya | FOB | 10.00 | 10.00 | 2025-12-17 | Stable |
Note: All listed key Malatya and Ankara dried apricot prices are unchanged from last week, reflecting a broadly neutral market sentiment as year-end approaches.
🌍 Supply & Demand Overview
- Exports paused: European buy-side demand has slowed almost entirely due to year-end holidays.
- Orchard planning underway: Producers focus on winter maintenance and frost risk reduction, seeking government aid for emergency crop protection.
- Agricultural insurance: Uptake rises as producers hedge against future weather events.
- Input price inflation: Rising domestic costs for fuel, fertiliser, and labour are pushing farmgate price expectations upwards, but actual market moves await renewed demand signals.
- Stocks: Inventory in Turkey remains adequate, though next year’s frost risk remains a key uncertainty.
📊 Market Fundamentals
- Production: Turkey remains the world’s dominant dried apricot supplier, accounting for over 60% of global exports; second-tier producers (Iran, Uzbekistan) see stable to slightly increased volumes.
- Consumption: EU and Middle Eastern markets are primary end-users, with year-end logistics slowdowns typical for December/January.
- Inventory: Carryover from last season is moderate; quality variability due to prior frost is reported, raising attention to new crop conditions.
- Speculative Activity: Commercial positions dominate; little speculative interest due to limited volatility and small size of exchange-tradeable apricot contracts.
🌦️ Weather & Crop Outlook
- Current weather in Malatya: Recent weather in key Turkish growing regions (Malatya, Elazığ) is cold but mostly stable, with some freeze events in orchards reported but without significant immediate losses.
- Forecast (next 14 days): Temperatures are expected to remain seasonal, with increased chance of overnight frost. Precipitation outlook is average, but risk management remains critical—especially for early-flowering varietals.
- Yield risk: Early hard frosts, if persistent, would heighten risks for 2026’s crop; protective measures are actively discussed at local planning meetings.
🌐 Global Production & Trade Comparison
| Country | 2024/25 Est. Production (000 MT) | 2024/25 Est. Exports (000 MT) | Main Importers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turkey | 85 | 76 | EU, Middle East, Russia |
| Iran | 15 | 10 | Asia, EU |
| Uzbekistan | 9 | 5 | CIS, Middle East |
Note: Figures are rounded industry estimates, as reported by regional trade bodies and FAO.
📆 Trading Outlook & Recommendations
- Wait for European demand cues in January before setting new offers or negotiating long-term contracts.
- Monitor weather developments in Malatya and surrounding apricot regions closely, as late frosts could trigger price volatility.
- Farmers and exporters should review insurance coverage and crop protection strategies during the winter months.
- Importers may find opportunity in steady prices, but should lock in contracts once European demand resumes to avoid potential price spikes.
- Track Turkish government announcements regarding support or compensation for frost-affected orchardists; this could impact available supply for export.
⏩ 3-Day Regional Price Forecast (FOB, Turkey)
| Date | No. 5 Unsulphured (EUR/kg) | No. 4 Organic (EUR/kg) | No. 4 Unsulphured (EUR/kg) | Sentiment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 (Dec 18) | 9.70 | 5.84 | 10.00 | Stable |
| Day 2 (Dec 19) | 9.70 | 5.84 | 10.00 | Stable |
| Day 3 (Dec 20) | 9.70 | 5.84 | 10.00 | Stable |
Outlook: No significant price moves anticipated until post-holiday market reactivation and clear guidance from European buyers.
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