Dried Fig Market Report – Season Ending Early?
Dried Fig Market Report – Season Ending Early?
The dried fig season appears to be ending earlier than expected. Aflatoxin-related issues have led to multiple rejected shipments in Europe, pushing exporters to prioritize domestic sales. Will this impact future pricing and availability?
Export activity to Moldova, Ukraine, and the Middle East continues, albeit at reduced volumes. Meanwhile, many exporters have halted offering prices for international markets, awaiting the new season.
From September 25, 2024, to March 15, 2025, total export volume reached 24.88 million kg, valued at $171.7 million, with an average price of $6.90/kg.
3-Day Price Forecast: Prices are expected to hold steady, with no significant fluctuations anticipated.
Long-term, improved quality control measures and a successful new harvest will be critical for regaining market confidence. Buyers and traders should remain vigilant for any policy changes affecting import regulations in major consuming regions.
The dried fig season appears to be ending earlier than expected. Aflatoxin-related issues have led to multiple rejected shipments in Europe, pushing exporters to prioritize domestic sales. Will this impact future pricing and availability?
Market Situation & Price Development
The dried fig season is experiencing an early closure due to widespread quality issues, particularly aflatoxin contamination. Over the past months, numerous European-bound shipments have been returned, creating significant challenges for producers and exporters. In response, many exporters have shifted their focus to the domestic market, especially during Ramadan, a peak period for fig consumption in Türkiye.Export activity to Moldova, Ukraine, and the Middle East continues, albeit at reduced volumes. Meanwhile, many exporters have halted offering prices for international markets, awaiting the new season.
From September 25, 2024, to March 15, 2025, total export volume reached 24.88 million kg, valued at $171.7 million, with an average price of $6.90/kg.
Top Export Destinations:
- Germany: 3.34 million kg ($7.43/kg)
- France: 3.21 million kg ($7.19/kg)
- Italy: 1.56 million kg ($7.48/kg)
- United States: 3.11 million kg ($7.85/kg)
- United Kingdom: 411,094 kg ($7.52/kg)
- United Arab Emirates: 562,770 kg ($6.49/kg)
Key Market Drivers
- Aflatoxin Contamination: Stringent European regulations led to multiple rejections of shipments, forcing exporters to divert goods to domestic markets.
- Ramadan Demand in Türkiye: The religious season has increased local consumption, enabling producers to offset export losses.
- Export Uncertainty: Many exporters are currently withholding price offers, leading to market stagnation.
- Regional Export Trends: While European shipments have declined, exports to Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE remain active, although at lower volumes.
Trading Recommendations & Market Assessment
- Short-Term Outlook: Prices are expected to remain stable in the domestic market due to increased demand during Ramadan. However, export volumes will likely remain constrained until the new season begins.
- Medium-Term Considerations: Buyers should monitor developments in aflatoxin control measures, as improved quality standards may restore confidence in European markets.
- Risk Factors: Any further rejections from key markets could lead to surplus stock in Türkiye, impacting local prices and producer margins.
Conclusion & Outlook
The dried fig market faces significant uncertainty due to quality concerns and shifting export trends. While domestic demand is helping to stabilize sales, the suspension of price offers by many exporters signals a wait-and-see approach.3-Day Price Forecast: Prices are expected to hold steady, with no significant fluctuations anticipated.
Long-term, improved quality control measures and a successful new harvest will be critical for regaining market confidence. Buyers and traders should remain vigilant for any policy changes affecting import regulations in major consuming regions.
