Global conditions favour US apple exports

After a good 2016-2017 apple export season, 2017-18 is set to be a very good one for US apple exports. Weather conditions and international politics should give US apples the edge over its rivals. China and Europe are America’s two main Northern Hemisphere competitors. While US production was above average, mostly due to a large Washington crop, European output was down 21% due to spring frosts during bloom. Elsewhere, trade disputes between China and India have led to a ban on Chinese imports, leaving the door open for US production.
As of 1st December, US packing companies 9-percent higher volumes ready for export than last year and 16% more than the five-year average. Washington packers accounted for 88% of those volumes.