Coronavirus: importers warn Hong Kong consumers that fruits, vegetables and seafood flown into city will soon cost more amid air freight struggles
- Fruit supplies from Spain, Italy, Australia and North Africa have already faced disruptions this month, importers say
- Hong Kong fruit wholesaler says he will increase prices on berries by 20 per cent next week
Importers said on Thursday there was increasing uncertainty over cargo flights in April and May following severe cuts in passenger services to areas such as Japan, Europe and North Africa, from where fresh and fragile food was flown in.
With lockdowns in various parts of the world after outbreaks of Covid-19, fruit supplies from Spain, Italy, Australia and North Africa were disrupted earlier this month, they said.
An importer said shipments by air would need to use cargo planes, where space was in short supply, for grapes, blueberries, strawberries and plums, which were usually carried on passenger flights from Australia, Africa and Europe.
“Air space is harder to get and more expensive than before,” said a Hong Kong fruit wholesaler who gave his name as Lai. “Even if we are willing to pay a premium, we do not necessarily get any space.”