Turkish Dried Apricots: Firm FCA Levels as Malatya Weather Stays Benign

Turkish dried apricot prices are holding broadly steady, with FCA Dordrecht quotations for conventional sulphured fruit from Türkiye unchanged over the past week across almost all sizes. Stable Malatya weather and a recovering 2026 crop are supporting supply, while tight carry-over and cautious buyer behavior are preventing any meaningful downside. New-crop volumes from Malatya are now flowing into export channels, easing immediate availability concerns after last year’s severe frost losses. The latest field-based estimates point to a significantly smaller but healthier crop than pre-2025 norms, though far better than the disaster season. At the same time, domestic TRY prices have firmed on the Malatya reference board, underlining ongoing competition between local and export demand. With the next three days bringing warm, dry conditions in Malatya, drying and processing should continue smoothly, helping to keep FCA and FOB EUR indications in a narrow, sideways band.

Prices

FCA Dordrecht prices for Turkish dried apricots are stable versus a week ago, with Size No. 8 at 6.15 EUR/kg FCA, Size No. 6 at 6.60 EUR/kg FCA, Size No. 5 at 6.65 EUR/kg FCA and Size No. 4 at 6.75 EUR/kg FCA. Larger calibres remain at a modest premium, with Size No. 3 at 6.80 EUR/kg FCA, Size No. 2 at 6.90 EUR/kg FCA, Size No. 1 at 7.15 EUR/kg FCA and Size No. 0 at 7.20 EUR/kg FCA in the Netherlands. Diced cubes 8–10 mm are quoted at 3.95 EUR/kg FCA.

In Türkiye, FOB Malatya/Ankara indications for sulphured and unsulphured dried apricots are broadly aligned with local reference boards that show exportable sulphured product around 8 EUR/kg FOB and natural unsulphured fruit around 8.2 EUR/kg FOB, while organic unsulphured lots reach roughly 9.85 EUR/kg FOB. These board values are indicative rather than firm offers but confirm the generally firm tone in origin.

Supply & Demand

Malatya remains the dominant global origin for dried apricots, accounting for the bulk of Türkiye’s production and a very large share of world export supply. Following last year’s extreme frost and tree losses, the 2026 crop is described as a recovery year: healthier than 2025/26 but structurally constrained by reduced tree numbers. Recent independent harvest assessments suggest Turkish dried apricot output around 75,000–80,000 metric tons, in line with INC estimates.

Local reports indicate that new-crop volumes are now reaching processing plants and export channels, with market commentary describing Turkish dried apricot prices as broadly steady as these arrivals build. However, old-crop carry-over is negligible after last season’s shortfall and strong pricing, which caps downside risks and keeps sellers cautious about discounting. End-users in Europe remain active but selective, focusing on quality and certification, while some continue hand-to-mouth buying until the size distribution and defect levels of the 2026 crop are fully known.

Fundamentals & Weather

Structural fundamentals remain tight. Earlier industry analysis highlighted that 2025 Turkish production was heavily damaged by frost, leaving virtually no stock to carry into 2026 and pushing global dried apricot prices sharply higher. With only a partial recovery in tree productivity this year and world supply still below pre-2025 levels, the market continues to price in a risk premium, especially for compliant, large-size, low-defect product.

Weather conditions in Malatya over the coming days are favourable for drying and handling. Forecasts for September 19–21, 2026 point to clear or mostly sunny days with highs around 28–29°C and cool nights in the mid-teens, with low to moderate humidity and light winds. This supports good final moisture control and minimizes additional quality losses, helping maintain a steady flow of export-ready lots without weather-driven disruptions.

Short-Term Outlook & Trading Ideas

• Importers in the EU/UK: With FCA Dordrecht prices stable and origin FOB indications firm, near-term downside appears limited. Consider covering Q4 physical needs on key sizes now, while keeping some flexibility for potential small adjustments as more grades are fully sorted.
• Buyers of organic and unsulphured fruit: Expect continued tightness and firm differentials versus standard sulphured grades, reflecting limited tree productivity and strong demand for compliant product. Early booking of certified volumes is advisable.
• Turkish processors/exporters: Benign weather and steady foreign demand favour disciplined pricing. Given negligible carry-over and structurally reduced orchards, aggressive discounting to chase volume would be risky; focus on quality differentiation and reliable shipment windows.

3‑Day Regional Price Direction (Malatya / TR)

• FOB Malatya, sulphured dried apricots: Sideways bias over the next three days, with a firm undertone supported by tight carry-over and stable domestic reference prices.
• FOB Malatya, natural & organic unsulphured: Sideways to slightly firmer, as good drying weather supports quality selection and exporters defend premiums for clean, certified fruit.
• FCA EU warehouses (e.g. NL, Dordrecht): Stable in the very short term, reflecting balanced nearby supply and demand; any shifts are likely to be incremental rather than structural.