Global apple and pear production both increase, China's apple imports are expected to decline slightly

China's apple production is projected to increase by 500,000 tons to 45 million tons, with exports up by nearly 100,000 tons to 870,000 tons, despite a decline in acreage. The EU's apple production is expected to drop by 475,000 tons to 12.2 million tons due to adverse weather, while U.S. production will rise by 636,000 tons to 5 million tons. Chile's production will slightly contract, with exports at their lowest since 1999/2000. South Africa's production will increase by 75,000 tons to 1.2 million tons, with exports up by 43,000 tons to 650,000 tons. New Zealand's production will rise by 40,000 tons to 48.3 million tons, with exports up by 21,000 tons to 330,000 tons. In the pear market, China's production will increase by 600,000 tons to 19.6 million tons, with exports rising by nearly 40% to 56.5 million tons. The EU's pear production will fall by 250,000 tons to 1.8 million tons, while U.S. production will rise by 15,000 tons to 602,000 tons. Chile's pear production will fall for the third consecutive year, with exports at their lowest in over 30 years. South Africa's pear production will increase by 30,000 tons to 530,000 tons, with exports up by 40,000 tons to 280,000 tons.