Last year, 2015, more than 160 countries together imported 6.6 billion tons of fresh apples, up 7% on the previous year. Despite its ban on produce from Western countries, Russia remained the largest importer with 880,000 tons, followed by transit country Belarus, importing 730,000 tons.
Imports in the EU declined further by 11% to a low of 435,000 tons. The US became a small importer of 153,000 tons, down 26%. Mexico is the fourth largest importer with 306,000 tons, up 30%, followed by Egypt, which became a stable importer of 250,000 tons over the last year.
Vietnam, Myanmar and Pakistan are the new export destinations, registering more import volumes, but entering the Indian market is more challenging as competition from local produce is strong. China, Hong Kong and South Korea like imported high quality apples more and more.
A smaller European harvest should keep fresh apple growers’ prices high
World apple production in the 2015/16 season rose slightly last season to 76.9 million tons, with higher production in China largely offset by slightly lower production in the US and the EU. Global trade was lower due to a downturn in demand from Mexico, Libya, Brazil and Russia.
China’s production continued to rise, up 2.1 million tons to 43.0 million on higher yield acreage and favourable weather. Exports surged from 400,000 tons to 1.2 million on higher exports to Asian markets, particularly Bangladesh and Thailand, as improved production practices continue to boost competitiveness. However, the US production was down by over 500,000 tons to 4.6 million due to adverse weather in all growing areas. Exports are forecast to plummet to their lowest level in 6 years, dropping 256,000 tons to 780,000 with smaller shipments to Mexico, India, and other distant destinations.