KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: China's economic boom has affected the prices of mandarin oranges, which have increased by at least 15 per cent.

Most traders, however, are keeping the prices of this Chinese New Year essential under control.

GCH Retail (M) Sdn Bhd (Giant) corporate communication manager Zamri Maulan said the price increase was due mainly to the appreciation of the Chinese currency and an increase in fuel prices.

"Other factors include a drop in the total production volume and higher domestic demand in China," he said.

The tightening of export requirements by the Chinese Agriculture Quarantine Authority is also a factor.

Under the requirement, only fruits from accredited farms and packing houses are allowed to be exported.

Despite lower supplies and higher import prices, Zamri gave an assurance that there was an ample supply of mandarin oranges at low prices.

Giant is expecting more than two million kilos of oranges from the Yong Chun district in Fujian.

Tesco (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd public relations manager Dazrene Azmir also said there was enough supply of mandarin oranges for the festive period.

In fact, he said, the hypermarket was offering lower prices for the mandarin oranges this year.

Kuala Lumpur Fruits Wholesaler Association president Tai Kong Lin said despite the price increase this year, wholesalers in Selayang had retained last year's prices.

He said business this year had been slow as people were more careful about spending. However, he was confident that it would pick up as Chinese New Year approaches.

Tai added that mandarin oranges this year were fresher and of better quality.

A wholesaler from LST Fruits Sdn Bhd said oranges were smaller this year.

"This is because of the dry weather in China which resulted in smaller oranges. However, they are sweeter," he added.

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