Year to date shipments up 29%
Exports in January were 7,506 tons compared to 6,464 tons last year, an increase of 16%
Exports year to date are 49,765 tons compared to 38,533 tons last year, an increase of 29%
Another strong shipping number, we are also seeing an increase in domestic demand ahead of Ramadan which will start at the end of this month.
Following a rather mild December and January, the weather has returned to normal over the past week or so and the trees are dormant. Forecast for the next week is cold and snowy.
The market has firmed by $100 to $200 per ton in recent days on tight supply. Size 5 through 7 are particularly firm.
We do not expect any downside at least until bloom is complete at the end of April or May. At the current pace there will be little carryover at the end of the season.