May comes with holidays in China. So what happens in Chinese agricultural markets during these holidays? These holidays usually mark a significant time period for pumpkin seeds, walnuts, and sunflower products, and is also the peak season for domestic market procurement in China.
Pumpkin Seeds
The total area of pumpkins will continue to decrease by 10% compared to the 2022 season! The main reason is the poor yield per acre. The yield of pumpkins is far less profitable for farmers than sunflowers. This makes farmers more concerned about sunflowers. So far, the price for the new season will continue to rise. The above is our prediction of the planting area for the new season based on research on seed companies.
Weather effects
Two days ago, there was a widespread drop in temperature in Xinjiang and some areas experienced snowfall. Fortunately, the snow melted quickly and did not have a significant impact on the new production season.
Inventory
Same period in 2022, Shine skin AA kernels are about $300/ton lower than now. Shine skin A kernels are about the same level. Although last year’s GWS prices were similar to the previous year, inventory levels are much lower this year. Prices may experience a slight increase.
Sunflower Seeds
Farmers who plant sunflowers have undoubtedly become winners in the agricultural market in the 2022 season. The high purchase price has made most farmers earn a lot of money. This undoubtedly gave more farmers confidence and increased their desire to plant. According to sales data from Chinese seed companies, sunflowers are expected to increase from 988,421 acres in the 2022 season to 1,317,895 acres in the coming new season. Large-scale growth will undoubtedly make the supply more stable.
Inventory
Despite a price that is twice as high as last year’s, demand is still high this year compared to the same period. The good news is that shipping costs are much cheaper than in 2022.
Walnuts
Walnuts are going through a dark time. After the intense price wars last year, many Chinese growers are considering giving up on investing in walnuts. Their first consideration is to stop fertilizing the new crops.
Weather effects
Compared to the last season, the fruiting rate of walnut trees has visibly decreased. Combined with unexpected snowfall in Northern Chinese production areas, many young trees have frozen to death. The upcoming year, 2023, will be a challenging year for the supply abilities.
Macadamia Nuts
Macadamias with a size of 25 mm+ is currently out of stock. There are some with a size of 22-25 mm available. There are also not many stocks left for 20-22 mm ones. The upcoming harvest season may bring more availability as the tree matures and production increases.
Raisins
No more good-color green raisins left on the market for now. The new season will start in September.
Goji Berry
Currently, the price of goji berries is lower than at the same time last year, but the price tends to increase after the May Day holiday, and this year, there is a shortage of high-quality goji berries. Therefore, the price is expected to increase. In terms of cultivation, the new season is expected to see a reduction of around 20%, but we need to wait and see the actual situation. Therefore, currently, the price trend is not expected to decrease.
Pine Nuts
Raw material procurement has ended, and the goods are now in the factory and in the hands of the stockholders. Prices are currently low and are not likely to be lower in the future. Customers will start buying in June and July, and as the new production season approaches, prices are expected to rise depending on the volume of customer orders and demand. The price of red pine is high due to significant domestic demand, and there is less export volume.