Turkish Dried Apricots Hold Firm as New-Crop Offering Builds

Dried apricot prices from Türkiye are broadly steady to slightly firmer, with FCA Europe values for standard sulphured sizes consolidating after moderate gains since late July. FOB Malatya and Ankara offers remain flat, suggesting a balanced short‑term market despite lingering memories of last year’s frost‑driven volatility. European buyers see a narrow but clear upward trend in Turkish dried apricot prices over recent weeks, as FCA Dordrecht quotations for standard sizes have risen by roughly 2–3% since late July. FOB Malatya levels for both sulphured and unsulphured fruit are unchanged over the same period, indicating that current firmness is more a reflection of currency, logistics and margins in Europe than a new squeeze at origin. With stable export flows and no fresh weather shock in the Turkish heartland, the market is cautiously balanced rather than tight.

Prices

Spot FCA Dordrecht (NL) prices for Turkish sulphured dried apricots are currently around EUR 6.00–7.05/kg for size 8 to size 0, with cubes near EUR 3.80/kg. These levels are unchanged compared with 13 August but sit about EUR 0.15–0.20/kg above late‑July offers for most sizes, confirming a mild upward drift rather than a sharp rally.

At origin, FOB Malatya and Ankara quotations for both sulphured and unsulphured fruit are flat versus mid‑July, around the equivalent of EUR 7.30–8.65/kg for sulphured sizes 8–1 and EUR 7.80–8.55/kg for key unsulphured grades, with organic lines carrying a notable premium. The stable FOB structure, combined with firmer FCA Europe prices, points to some margin rebuilding and freight/financing cost pass‑through in European warehouses rather than a new round of grower price hikes.

Supply & Demand

Malatya remains the dominant origin, supplying the bulk of Türkiye’s dried apricot production and a very large share of world output, with Europe (EU+UK) and the USA as key demand centers. Recent statistical yearbooks and trade data confirm Türkiye’s role as the leading exporter, averaging over half of global dried apricot exports in recent years, with around a third of Turkish volumes destined for Europe.

No new crop shock has been reported for August 2026. The market is still mindful of last year’s severe April 2025 frost in Türkiye, which caused an almost total crop loss and sharply reduced export volumes, but current offers and flat FOB prices indicate that 2026 availability is markedly healthier. Exporters appear keen to maintain steady flows at today’s price levels rather than chase aggressive volume growth.

Weather & Crop Conditions (TR)

The short‑term weather outlook for Malatya, Türkiye, over 14–16 August 2026 shows generally benign late‑summer conditions, with daytime highs around 28–32°C, mild nights and only a chance of isolated thunderstorms. Such conditions are broadly favorable for drying operations and post‑harvest handling, with no indication of widespread rain that could disrupt sun‑drying or storage in the coming days.

With the main weather‑related risks (spring frost and flowering damage) already behind the market this season, current meteorological conditions mainly influence drying efficiency and quality rather than overall volume. As long as storms remain local and short‑lived, no meaningful impact on near‑term supply or quality is expected.

Fundamentals & FX Context

Global dried apricot trade remains relatively stable in volume terms, with total exports fluctuating in a moderate band over the last decade and Türkiye consistently the largest shipper. This structural dominance, coupled with concentrated production in Malatya, means that even modest shifts in Turkish crop size or export policy can strongly influence world pricing, particularly for Europe which absorbs a large share of Turkish shipments.

Currency remains an important background factor. The Turkish lira’s long‑term depreciation versus the euro cushions local producers but also introduces volatility in export offer strategies. Recent EUR/TRY levels keep Turkish dried apricots competitive on the global market, helping exporters defend market share while still passing some cost inflation through to euro‑denominated contracts.

Trading Outlook (next 2–4 weeks)

• Bias: Mildly firm but range‑bound. With FOB origin prices flat and EU FCA levels slightly higher than late July, the near‑term bias is sideways to modestly firmer rather than bearish.
• Buyers (industry/retail): Consider covering short‑ to medium‑term needs on dips near current FCA levels, especially for popular sizes 3–5, as origin appears comfortable but unlikely to discount sharply while new‑crop quality is good.
• Sellers (exporters/packers): Maintain offer discipline on higher grades and organic unsulphured product where premiums are well supported; be flexible on lower grades and industrial cuts to secure volume amid stable but not booming demand.
• Risk factors: Sudden currency moves in EUR/TRY, any late‑season quality issues from localized storms, or shifts in freight/insurance costs could nudge export offers higher on short notice.

3-Day Directional Price Indication (EUR)

• TR FOB Malatya/Ankara, standard sulphured sizes 3–5: Stable to slightly firm (0–1% range) over the next three days, given steady offers and benign weather.
• NL FCA Dordrecht, sizes 3–5 sulphured: Stable, with a slight upward bias as European holders test the market within a narrow range around current EUR 6.50–6.65/kg.
• Industrial cuts / cubes: Stable; no immediate catalyst for either discounting or further appreciation.