The Northern Daily Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1857-03-13 00:00:00

LIVERPOOL FRUIT TRADE.

CURRANTS: We have abstained altogether from issuing
our report since the 9th January, in consequence of the
inanimate state of the market, caused in a great measure
by the idea that a reduction in duty was contemplated,
but that having been entirely dissipated by recent
political events (at any rate for the present) we have
lately had more enquiry, and sales have been made in fair
quality at about former rates ; enquiries have also been
made for the finest descriptions, but holders requiring
higher prices than the dealers are inclined to give at
present, little or nothing has been done in this quality of
fruit. It is now a matter for consideration what are the
prospects for the future, and the first thing to look at is
the present stock on hand, which we put down at about
3.760 tons, and the probable supplies which we may still
look for. We cannot, of course, state this with any degree
of accuracy, but we should say it will not exceed 350 to
400 tons, so that we may assume we shall have about
4,000 tons of all sorts to carry us over the next six
months, which is certainly more than sufficient for that
purpose, but we think it not unlikely we may have a
demaad freM
other markets not so abundantly supplied,
which may relieve us from a part of our excess. The
consumption and exports since the 9th January to this
time have been 1,180 tons, against 926 tons imported, and
if this could be relied upon to continue in anything like
the same proportion for the next six months, it would
settle the question at once ; it remains therefore to be
seen how the future consumption and export demand may
turn out, for this, after all, is our only legitimate
dependence, but under any circumstances we see no
substantial reason for despondency.
Re Istrqs : We have so far reduced our steel( of Valencia
and Turkey Raisins that it is difQcnit to make a report
upon thorn, and indeed quite superfious, as what few are
in the market are principally in the hands of dealers, who
are getting our extreme quotations. Muscatels are in
fair consumptive demand, and are held principally by
dealers, who aro retailing them out at full prices. Sul•
tanas are held at high prices which prevent 4 buyers
coming forward beyond their immediate wants.
Figs: We continue onr operations' in Turkey Figs upon
a moderate Seale, and prices are firmly supported. The
Calamata Figs lately arrived here, were mostly sold from
the quay before arrival, and the rest are going to London.
Malaga Figs being scarce continue to cell at advanced
rates.

NUTS : l3arcelonas maintain the late advance, and are
in fair demand, Messina:and Naples are neglected. Wal-
nuts are almost unsaleable excepting the finest Naples, and
they are held firmly at our highest quotations—Brazils,
none here. Spanish Chesnuts are selling in retail parcels,
and very few now left in the market.
ORANGES AND LEMONS: We have had an unprecedented
supply of Palermo Oranges this season, and although
coming forward in lots of 3,000 to 5,000 at once, are
eagerly taken off by the dealers, and prices have been
firmly supported ; this description of fruit coming forward
in such large quan ities, backed by large arrivals from
Valencia, has materially tended to depreciate both St.
Michaels and other descriptions here, and this accounts
for our prices being much below what are obtainable at
other ports where Palcrmis and Valencias are only
received in limited quantities. Lemons are slow of sale,
and it is difficult to effect sales to any extent unless at a
sacrifice in price, which holders generally have not shown
any disposition to do, so far. ILETCIIER EG FIRTH.