In W39 in the apple landscape, the United States (US) projects a 1.5% increase in fresh apple production in the 2023/24 season, with Gala apples leading the market. However, adverse weather conditions are causing production declines in Michigan and New York. India is forecasted to increase its apple imports following the removal of a 20% retaliatory duty on US apples. In China, rising apple prices are attributed to quality disparities and reduced cold storage supply, while Poland is facing challenges with drought and high temperatures affecting stocks of fresh apples.
Furthermore, the Washington Apple Commission has announced the state's first shipments of new-crop Red Delicious apples bound for India, following India's reduction of tariffs on some US agricultural products. The move offers a new opportunity for growers to regain access to the Indian market. Previously, India was a crucial market for Washington apple exports, but the tariffs led to a decline in market share for Washington growers. As of W37, Washington's apple exports experienced a nearly 17% volume drop, partly attributed to a late start to the season.
In the 2022 apple season, there was a slight decrease in the national apple planting area in China, with some provinces experiencing increases while others saw declines. Despite the reduced area, the total apple production increased by 3.5% year-on-year (YoY), reaching 47.572 million tons. Quality improved due to increased profitability and better management practices. Apples prices were notably higher in 2022 at USD 1 per kilogram (CNY 7.20/kg), an increase of 17.5% compared to the previous season. The average wholesale price for apples nationwide was around USD 1.20/kg (CNY 8.66/kg), marking a 13.6% increase YoY. Apple exports decreased by 23.7% in volume and 27.4% in value YoY, with Indonesia, Vietnam, and Bangladesh being major importers. On the other hand, apple imports increased by 39.7% in volume and 43.4% in value YoY, with New Zealand being the largest supplier.
Spanish apple growers anticipate a substantial increase in fresh apple production in 2023, with volumes projected to reach 536 thousand metric tons (mt), marking a 30% YoY increase. Catalonia's apple crop is forecasted to be 22% higher than last year, although slightly below the five-year average. Harvesting is anticipated to start earlier in some regions due to summer drought and high temperatures. A significant increase in fresh apple harvest is also expected in Aragon, particularly in the Valdejalón region, although challenges like heat and drought may impact fruit size. The abundance of apples has led to price declines for various apple varieties in Spain, including Fuji, Gala, and Granny Smith, with further price drops predicted as the peak harvest period approaches.
Lastly, in the global market, Italian apples, including Italia, Michele Palieri, Crimson Seedless, Red Globe, and Sugraone, dominated the market supply. While Victoria decreased in significance, Regina and Pizzutello gained importance. Various Arra and Sugra varieties also contributed to the range. Spanish and Greek supplies were limited, and the presence of French Muscat de Hambourg and Alphonse Lavallée was minor. Turkey primarily supplied Sultana and Crimson Seedless varieties. In Frankfurt, Germany, Heike apples were priced between USD 3.16 and 3.69/kg (EUR 3 to 3.50/kg).
