World Apple Situation

 

NORTHERN HEMISPHERE

 

Apple production to increase in 1998/99

 

Total apple production in selected Northern Hemisphere countries in 1998/99 is forecast at 41.4 million metric tons, up 4 percent from the previous year’s output. Larger apple crops are expected in some major producing Northern Hemisphere countries, such as China, the United States, Italy, and Germany.

 

The U.S. apple production forecast for marketing year 1998/99 (July-June) has been revised down slightly to 5.0 million metric tons, but is still 6 percent above last season's output. Apple production in Washington state, the largest U.S. apple producer, is forecast at a record 2.7 million tons, up 20 percent from last season. Washington state alone will likely account for 55 percent of the total U.S. apple crop in 1998/99.

 

Apple exports in 1998/99 are forecast down 4 percent from the previous season’s shipments

 

Apple exports from selected countries in the Northern Hemisphere in 1998/99 are forecast at 3.1 million tons, down 4 percent from last season’s shipments. Lower exportable supplies in the EU will more than offset improved export prospects for the United Sates. The U.S. 1998/99 export forecast has been increased 21 percent to 670,000 tons, up 18 percent from last season’s shipments. A larger Washington state apple crop and lower export prices are boosting U.S. apple shipments, mainly from the Pacific Northwest. Moreover, sharply higher exports from the Pacific Northwest in December, January, and February have helped offset depressed sales levels from other areas of the country and improved the overall U.S. export outlook.

 

U.S. apple exports in 1997/98 totaled 569,285 tons, down 15 percent from shipments a year earlier. Apple exports last season were adversely impacted by the stronger U.S. dollar vis-a-vis other countries’ currencies (particularly in Southeast Asian countries), a smaller Washington state apple crop, and the implementation of Mexico’s 101 percent antidumping duty on U.S. Red and Golden delicious apples, which was imposed in September 1997 and subsequently lifted in March 1998.

 

SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE

 

Southern Hemisphere apple crop larger in 1998/99

 

Apple production in selected countries of the Southern Hemisphere is forecast at 4.5 million tons, up 4 percent from last season’s output. Larger crops are expected in the principal southern producing countries of Chile and Argentina.

 

Chilean apple production in 1998/99 is forecast at a record 1.0 million tons, 4 percent above the 1997/98 output. An increase in the number of bearing trees combined with the end of some very dry seasons have boosted Chile’s apple production in recent years. Red apple varieties account for about 70 percent of total output and are mainly for the European and Middle East markets. The principal green variety, Granny Smith, is used both for the fresh export (mainly Europe and the United States) as well as for concentrated apple juice production.

 

Argentine apple production in 1998/99 is forecast at 1.3 million tons, 7 percent above the 1997/98 output, due to good climatic conditions. Argentina’s apple production is located in Rio Negro (75 percent), Neuquen (15 percent), and Mendoza (10 percent).

 

Southern Hemisphere apple exports to increase slightly in 1998/99

 

Apple exports from selected countries in the Southern Hemisphere in 1998/99 are forecast at 4.5 million tons, 1 percent above last season’s shipments. The two largest apple exporters in Southern Hemisphere, Chile and New Zealand, are expected to expand exports.

 

Chile’s apple exports in 1998/99 are forecast at 570,000 tons, up 10 percent from last season. A larger apple crop will likely boost again Chile’s apple exports in 1998/99. Red apple varieties account for about two thirds of Chile’s apple sales overseas, although the share of sweet/sour varieties is increasing.

 

New Zealand’s apple exports in 1998/99 are forecast at 310,000 tons, up sharply from shipments in 1997/98. Although volumes remain small, exports of organically grown apples are expected to gradually increase as growers are attracted by the high export premiums available for such fruit. The United States, Canada, and the EU are New Zealand’s major apple customers.

 

New Zealand apples are expected to be exported to India for the first time in 1998/99. India agreed to import 13,000 cases (234 tons) of New Zealand apples each year until 2002, when restrictions on apple imports are due to end. Under the agreement, New Zealand will supply apples to the Indian market from April through October, counter-seasonal to India’s season. New Zealand will also help upgrade India’s apple stocks and assist in international marketing of Indian-grown apples.

 

(For information on production and trade, contact Samuel Rosa at 202 720-6086. For information on marketing contact Sonia Jimenez at 202-690-6057)

 

Last modified: Tuesday, May 08, 2001