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Australian table grape exports decline as Chinese demand wanes - Rabobank report

Rabobank

Despite a good start, Australian table grape exports have declined for the 2024 season, off the back of lower demand from China, which has been consistently decreasing its imports, according to new industry research.

 

In its just-released Table Grape Update 2024, agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank said Australian exports of table grapes were down 19 per cent for the 2024 season.

 

Report co-author, RaboResearch analyst Pia Piggott said it had been an earlier-than-usual start to the 2024 export season, with weekly export volumes for the first 10 weeks of the year surpassing 2023 levels, “before falling below last year’s levels for the rest of the season”.

 

In spite of the reduced demand, China continues to be the major export market for Australian table grapes. “However,” Ms Piggott said, “there were large declines in volumes to China – down by 29 per cent year-on-year (YOY).” Exports also recorded significant declines to Vietnam (down 49 per cent) and Thailand (down by 38 per cent).

 

“Indonesia maintained its position as the second-largest export destination for Australian table grapes – with volumes up by six per cent year on year. And exports to South Korea also saw significant growth,” she said.

 

Ms Piggott said, “on a positive note”, export unit values for Australian table grapes increased this season by seven per cent, to an average of AUD 4.49/kg.

 

“And the removal of varietal restrictions on Australian table grape exports to Japan should positively impact volumes next season,” Ms Piggott said. “With access to over 130 varieties, Australian producers have an opportunity with this development to meet the growing demand for premium flavours and diversify exports.”

 

The Rabobank report said domestic consumption of Australian table grapes increased this season – with volume growth of 11.2 per cent in the year to May 2024, and dollar sales were up by 10.8 percent.

 

Global trade

 

The Rabobank report said weather events have affected global grape trade, however, after recording the lowest levels of exports in four seasons, trade is expected to rebound next season.

 

“Last season, global table grape exports reached 4.2 million metric tons, the lowest export amount in four seasons. This decline was mainly due to weather events in Europe and the Americas – and higher exports from Chile, China, and other major producers couldn’t offset this,” the report said.

 

“Over the past 10 seasons, the share of exports from the Americas has declined from 45 per cent to 36 per cent. Europe has experienced a similar decline, facing challenges such as more extreme weather, margin pressure, challenging regulations, and a stagnant European market,” it said.

 

In contrast, the Rabobank report said, China and India have become more significant in global table grape trade, transitioning from net importers to net exporters. Their joint export volumes increased by 183 per cent over 10 seasons, accounting for 19 per cent of global exports in 2023/24.

 

“For 2024/25, most weather-affected countries are showing signs of recovery in production. In addition, orchard renovations with new proprietary varieties are anticipated in most countries, resulting in increased exports in the coming years,” the report said.

 

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Rabobank Australia & New Zealand Group is a part of the international Rabobank Group, the world’s leading specialist in food and agribusiness banking. Rabobank has more than 125 years’ experience providing customised banking and finance solutions to businesses involved in all aspects of food and agribusiness. Rabobank is structured as a cooperative and operates in 38 countries, servicing the needs of more than nine million clients worldwide through a network of more than 1000 offices and branches. Rabobank Australia & New Zealand Group is one of Australasia’s leading agricultural lenders and a significant provider of business and corporate banking and financial services to the region’s food and agribusiness sector. The bank has 90 branches throughout Australia and New Zealand.