World apple production for 20/21 is forecasted to be down 4% vs LY

The USDA said combined world apple production for 2020-21 is forecast at 76.1 million metric tons, down 4% from 79.4 million metric tons a year ago. The USDA said most of the decline is tied to a severe spring frost in China’s northwest provinces. Total global apple exports are expected to remain nearly unchanged at 5.8 million tons, helped by higher exports from Poland, according to the USDA.

China’s production of 40.5 million metric tons was hurt by severe frost in northern provinces that affected fruit set during flowering. The European Union’s apple production is forecast at 12.2 million metric tons, near historical averages. U.S. apple production is forecast to of 4.7 million metric tons. Output is forecast lower than last year because of a wind storm that hurt orchards in Washington and a severe freeze in parts of Michigan, according to the agency. Chile’s apple production is forecast to rise 46,000 metric tons to 1.2 million metric tons, according to the USDA, as abundant winter rainfall is expected to improve yields and planted area holds steady after several years of decline. Mexico’s apple production is projected to drop 80,000 tons to 680,000 metric tons because of adverse weather which affected fruit development in the top‐growing state of Chihuahua. New Zealand apple production in 2021 is forecast nearly flat by the USDA at 583,000 tons due to COVID‐19‐related uncertainties over labor availability.

“While another record crop is possible due to expanded growing area and good growing conditions, insufficient labor could affect pruning, thinning, and harvest,” the report said.

New bearing acreage in South Africa could boost output there to a record 960,00 metric tons, according to the USDA.