W27: Apple Update

In W27 in the apple landscape, global apple production in the 2022/23 season is expected to reach 78.4 million metric tons (mt), representing a decrease of 4.3 million mt. Meanwhile, global apple exports are estimated to fall to just 5.5 million mt, a decrease of over 1 million mt, on account of reduced shipments from China, Iran and Moldova.The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service reports that adverse weather conditions impacted apple harvests in China, the United States (US), South Africa, and New Zealand. China's production is forecasted to reach 41 million mt, corresponding to a decrease of almost 5 million mt because of high temperatures during bloom reducing fruit set. This reduced supply is anticipated to lead to a 20% drop in China’s apple exports to only 770 thousand mt. US apple production in the 2022/23 season is expected to fall to 4.3 million mt, the lowest level since 2012/13. Resultantly, exports are anticipated to fall to around 590 thousand mt, representing a year-on-year decline of almost 20% and the lowest level in nearly two decades.

Moving to the Southern Hemisphere, Cyclone Gabrielle damaged apple orchards in the North Island of New Zealand. Consequently, New Zealand’s total apple production is expected to fall to just 453,000 mt, with exports hitting their lowest levels since the 2009/10 season. South Africa’s production is expected to decrease by 51 thousand mt to approximately 1.2 million mt. Despite steady production, increased cold-storage costs and a lower supply of export-quality apples are anticipated to lead to reduced exports. Lastly, European apple stock stood at 712.2 mt on June 1, 2023, a 23.4% decrease compared to last year. This decrease is mainly due to the reduction of the following varieties: Golden Delicious (-36.5%), Idared (-20.1%), Jonagold (-44.7%), Gala (-22.7%), Fuji (-67.5%) and Granny Smith (-23.8%). Meanwhile, Cripps Pink rose by 225.6%.