Business
Supply of Pakistani mangoes to UAE satisfactory despite lower growth
Supply of Pakistani mangoes to UAE satisfactory despite lower growth
The much-awaited Pakistani mangoes have arrived with the first consignments reaching the UAE last week.
Wholesalers and retailers said the supply of the fruit was satisfactory despite its lower production in the South Asian country largely due to the impact of climate change.
Prices are, however, slightly higher owing to inflation in Pakistan and increased freight charges.
“The Pakistani mango season has officially begun with the government of Pakistan allowing exports from May 20, 2024.
The initial vessel that arrived on May 23 brought in around 192 containers of Sindhri variety, approximately 4,600 tonnes, which is a substantial amount,” Mustafa Altaf, managing director of Altaf Hussain Trading Co., said.
Pakistani mangoes are loved by people all over the world for their unique taste. The Sindhri and Chanusa varieties are particularly known for their high pulp content, sweet fragrance and taste.
Prices of mangoes this year are slightly higher due to inflation in Pakistan and rising freight charges, which have increased from Rs280 to Rs320. “Freight rates may go up by two to 5 per cent further in the coming months,” said Yaseen.
Suppliers are charging slightly higher prices, Mustafa Altaf said, adding a box of Sindhri mangoes weighing 6kg is currently being sold for Dh28-30 in the wholesale market.”
LOW YIELD DUE TO CLIMATE CHANGE
The managing director of Altaf Hussain Trading Co. said it was unfortunate to hear that global climate change has affected the mango yield in Pakistan.
“This means that the quantity of mangoes could be less than what was expected or achieved in previous years.
However, the mangoes are still being exported in good numbers to the UAE despite the challenges. I hope the Pakistani mango farmers and exporters are able to navigate this challenge and continue to provide high-quality mangoes this season.”
SUPPLY TO UAE
Altaf said the exports to the UAE in the initial two weeks are usually quite high as exporters aim to send shipments as early as possible to cash in on the increased demand for the king of fruits in the beginning of the mango season.
“Later, exporters target other markets and then supply slows down in this market.”
Altaf assured that the mangoes are of good quality as there have been no unseasonal rains in Pakistan this year.
Gulraiz Yaseen, managing director of the Pakistan Supermarket chain in UAE, too, said the mangoes that have arrived from Pakistan are of high quality and will only get better in the months ahead.
“Climate change has been impacting production for a few years now. It is not at the same level as it used to be five years ago. Pakistan tries to export mangoes and in fact some of the varieties may not be available in that country because they are exported to the Middle East, Europe and the US,” added Yaseen.
Business
Dollar treads water as Trump tariff clarity, central banks awaited
The dollar steadied against major peers on Thursday, continuing its near paralysis of the past two days before more concrete announcements on tariffs from U.S. President Donald Trump.
A spate of central bank policy decisions are also due over the next week, with the Bank of Japan widely expected to raise interest rates at the end of a two-day meeting on Friday.
Rate decisions from the U.S. Federal Reserve and European Central Bank are scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday of next week, respectively.
The dollar index – which measures the currency versus six top rivals, including the euro and yen – was flat at 108.25, following two days of gains of around 0.1%.
On Monday, it tumbled 1.2%, its steepest one-day slide since November 2023, as Trump’s first day in office brought a barrage of executive orders, but none on tariffs.
So far this week, Trump has mooted levies of around 25% on Canada and Mexico and 10% on China from Feb. 1. He also promised duties on European imports, without giving details.
“President Trump has so far taken a less hostile-than-expected approach to China,” amid overall “softer-than-expected policies and tone on tariffs”, said Carol Kong, a currency strategist at Commonwealth Bank of Australia.
At the same time, “we are cautious (that) risk sentiment remains fragile and can quickly turn sour if President Trump strikes a more aggressive tone.”
The Chinese yuan was little changed at 7.2812 per dollar in offshore trading .
Wall Street’s main indexes rose Wednesday, with the S&P 500 hitting an intraday record high thanks to strong Netflix earnings and a rally in tech shares.
Japan’s yen edged up about 0.1% to 156.40 with markets pricing 95% odds of a quarter-point hike on Friday.
The euro was flat at $1.0411. The ECB is widely expected to cut rates by a quarter point next week.
The Canadian dollar held steady at C$1.4386 against the greenback. The Bank of Canada is seen as likely to reduce rates by a quarter point next Wednesday.
The Mexican peso was little changed at 20.47 versus the U.S. currency.
Business
Oil prices extend losses amid uncertainty over tariff impact
Oil prices dipped in early trade on Thursday, extending losses amid uncertainty over how proposed tariffs by U.S. President Donald Trump on several countries would impact global economic growth and energy demand.
Brent crude futures fell 23 cents, or 0.3%, to $78.79 a barrel at 0135 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude (WTI) eased 18 cents, or 0.2%, to $75.26.
In its previous session, Brent futures settled at $79.00 in a fifth straight day of losses. WTI futures settled at $75.44 in a fourth consecutive day of declines.
Trump has said he would add new tariffs to his sanctions threat against Russia if the country does not make a deal to end its war in Ukraine. He added these could be applied to “other participating countries” as well.
He also vowed to hit the European Union with tariffs, impose 25% tariffs against Canada and Mexico, and said his administration was discussing a 10% punitive duty on China because fentanyl is being sent to the U.S. from there.
Meanwhile, estimates from an extended Reuters poll showed that on average U.S. crude oil stockpiles were expected to have fallen by 1.6 million barrels in the week to Jan. 17.
Gasoline stockpiles were estimated to have risen by 2.3 million barrels last week, and distillate inventories were likely to have gained 300,000 barrels.
The poll was conducted ahead of the American Petroleum Institute industry group’s report and another from the Energy Information Administration at 12:00 p.m. ET (1700 GMT) on Thursday.
European wind shares fell on Tuesday (January 21).
The reports were delayed by a day due to the Martin Luther King Jr. Day federal holiday on Monday.
Business
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia reaffirm commitment to boost economic ties
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the bilateral economic ties for shared prosperity.
The commitment was expressed when Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb met with his Saudi counterpart Mohammad bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan on the sidelines of World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos.
Muhammad Aurangzeb highlighted the key reform measures undertaken by the Government to promote economic stability and sustainable growth.
He briefed him on structural reforms, fiscal discipline and regulatory improvements that have contributed to an improved investment climate in Pakistan.
Earlier, Aurangzeb met Anna Bjerde, Managing Director of Operations at the World Bank.
They discussed cooperation between Pakistan and the World Bank, with a particular focus on Pakistan’s macroeconomic stability.
The finance minister emphasized the government’s strong partnership with the Bank and expressed hope that the World Bank would continue playing a key role in the country’s socio-economic development.
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