WHEN the Chinese New Year approaches, melon and muskmelon prices have started getting high, according to border fruit traders.
Melons and muskmelons grown in Myanmar are being exported to China through the Mongla border trading route, and the fruit market has been slow due to competitive selling. At present, the Chinese New Year is drawing near, and the fruit trading has begun to be active again, said traders.
“We expect the prices get high when the new year is right around the corner. They compete to buy when there are a few trucks or adjust their purchase when there are more than 25 trucks. The muskmelon price has now started getting active, and so has the watermelon price. Prices vary depending on colour, packaging and quality,” said a fruit trader.
The quality watermelon receives above 50,000 yuan for a truckload, but if the quality is low and the size is small, the price is between 40,000 and 48,000 yuan. The price of muskmelon per kilogramme is between 3.5 and four yuan, and above four yuan if the fruit quality is better.
Only good-looking and large-sized fruits can fetch a higher price, said traders. — MT/ZS
