Harvesting of late pear varieties in Uzbekistan ended about ten days ago, and their prices continue to rise, indicating a low pear harvest in the country compared to 2020 and 2019, EastFruit analysts say.
The pear harvesting season in the country starts in the first decade of July and ends in the second decade of October, with a total duration of about 3.5 months.
If we look at the dynamics of the average wholesale price for pears in 2021, the lowest level was recorded on August 5, 2021, at the height of the season and during the harvesting of mid-season pear varieties – 14,000 UZS/kg ($1.3). The average wholesale prices have increased by 57% since then and, as of October 28, 2021, they are 22,000 UZS/kg ($2.1).
At the same time, the average wholesale prices for pears at the end of October 2021 are 1.5 times higher than on the same date in 2020, and 3 times higher than on the same date in 2019. In previous years, pear prices grew from the 20th of October to the end of the year. But with even such an increase, the average wholesale prices for pears as of October 28, 2021 are 10% higher than the New Year’s Eve prices in 2020 and 120% higher than the New Year’s Eve prices in 2019. On December 31, 2020, the average wholesale price was 20,000 UZS/kg ($1.9), and on the same date in 2019 – 10,000 UZS/kg ($1.1).
EastFruit analysts note that the average wholesale prices for pears in Uzbekistan are currently the highest among the countries monitored by EastFruit on a weekly basis.
Retail pear prices in supermarkets in the capital of Uzbekistan as of October 28, 2021 range from 23,000 to 40,000 UZS/kg (from $2.2 to $3.7), depending on the variety and quality. Relatively high prices for apples this year contribute to high prices for pears.
Pear prices in 2021 increased in many countries, including China, its main supplier to the Uzbek market. China accounts for 90-95% of all fresh pear imports to Uzbekistan. However, the growth rate of pear prices in Uzbekistan is much higher now than in other countries monitored by EastFruit.
In this regard, the decision of the Government of Uzbekistan dated October 7, 2021 on the abolition of customs duties on the import of a number of fruits, including pears, until May 1, 2022 was very timely. This will be an important factor in curbing the price rise for pears, and they can even be reduced. In addition to China, Uzbekistan will also be able to import fresh pears from Poland, Georgia and Moldova, where average wholesale prices are 3-3.5 times lower than in Uzbekistan.
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