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Apple updates
Apple prices hold steady.
Apple prices increased in June and shipments to retailers continue at a solid pace. USApples reports national inventories are down 8% from this time last season, in line with the five-year average, and this suggests minimal risk of a large inventory carry-over. Anecdotal reports continue to point to a 2026 apple crop that is smaller than the previous three years. Warm weather in March and frost events in April impacted fruit quality for producers in northern Washington. Reports suggest India’s 2026 crop will be down significantly due to insufficient chilling hours and challenging weather conditions. India and the U.S. appear close to a bilateral trade agreement and while details are scarce, it may lead to a reduced duty rate (India applies a 50% duty on fresh apples from the U.S.). A small crop coupled with a reduced duty rate may create export opportunities for U.S. growers, particularly for the Red Delicious variety. The Washington State Tree Fruit Association (WSTFA) announced it will discontinue its August 1st forecast, a long-time industry staple that provided an early look into the apple crop size. WSTFA reported increasing challenges in accurately estimating crop sizes due to a confluence of variables, including fruit sizing, packouts, weather events, evolving horticultural practices and other changing growing conditions. Inaccurate estimates can have material impacts on the industry, particularly as they help to frame contract negotiations among marketing desks and retailers.
Northwest cherry producers face mixed conditions. While early-season cherries generally achieved strong prices, mid-season fruit faced the greatest pressure as production levels ramped up and quality fell. Weather related challenges reduced overall production, damaged quality in some orchards, and caused some growers to leave fruit unharvested. Producers with high yields and strong quality will fare better than their counterparts. Despite challenges, export levels and Rainier prices are reportedly strong and appear to be bright spots within the industry.
Profitability
June 10, 2026Apple producers: Slightly unprofitable - Bullish 12-month outlook
Apple packers: Slightly profitable - Neutral 12-month outlook
Anecdotal reports suggest the 2026 crop will be notably smaller than the last three years and closer to the historical average. An average size crop is supportive of prices.
With a smaller 2026 apple crop, packer margins may tighten due to lower volume throughput.
While the bulk of apples produced in the U.S. is sold domestically, export markets are relatively important and make up anywhere from 15% to 20% of total production. Foreign markets are particularly important for older varieties that have fallen out of fashion in the U.S., namely Red and Golden Delicious. Mexico, Canada, Taiwan, Vietnam and India are the largest foreign markets. While Washington has a reputation for producing superior-quality fruit, exports are sensitive to trade policy given significant production levels from competitors in Europe, China, Chile and South Africa. Between 2021 and 2024, U.S. apple exports to India fell to near-zero levels due to retaliatory tariffs. Apple imports make up a very small portion of the total domestic supply.
Apple production, exports and imports
Source: USApple Outlook Reports.
Tariff tracker - Tariff rates applied to U.S. trade partners are consistenly updated to reflect policy changes. The World Trade Organization (WTO) tracks duties and tariffs on fresh apples. For your convenience, the following links will take you to tariff data for Vietnam and India. Apples are currently exempt from tariffs with Mexico and Canada under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), but please refer to the U.S. Trade Representative website for up-to-date information. WTO also tracks rates for apple imports to the U.S. Please consult with a trade lawyer or professional for detailed and up-to-date insights on tariff rates and their application to fresh apples.
For guidance on interpreting duty and tariff rates, please refer our Tariff Guide.
Apple updates
Apple prices hold steady.
Apple prices increased in June and shipments to retailers continue at a solid pace. USApples reports national inventories are down 8% from this time last season, in line with the five-year average, and this suggests minimal risk of a large inventory carry-over. Anecdotal reports continue to point to a 2026 apple crop that is smaller than the previous three years. Warm weather in March and frost events in April impacted fruit quality for producers in northern Washington. Reports suggest India’s 2026 crop will be down significantly due to insufficient chilling hours and challenging weather conditions. India and the U.S. appear close to a bilateral trade agreement and while details are scarce, it may lead to a reduced duty rate (India applies a 50% duty on fresh apples from the U.S.). A small crop coupled with a reduced duty rate may create export opportunities for U.S. growers, particularly for the Red Delicious variety. The Washington State Tree Fruit Association (WSTFA) announced it will discontinue its August 1st forecast, a long-time industry staple that provided an early look into the apple crop size. WSTFA reported increasing challenges in accurately estimating crop sizes due to a confluence of variables, including fruit sizing, packouts, weather events, evolving horticultural practices and other changing growing conditions. Inaccurate estimates can have material impacts on the industry, particularly as they help to frame contract negotiations among marketing desks and retailers.
Northwest cherry producers face mixed conditions. While early-season cherries generally achieved strong prices, mid-season fruit faced the greatest pressure as production levels ramped up and quality fell. Weather related challenges reduced overall production, damaged quality in some orchards, and caused some growers to leave fruit unharvested. Producers with high yields and strong quality will fare better than their counterparts. Despite challenges, export levels and Rainier prices are reportedly strong and appear to be bright spots within the industry.
Profitability
June 10, 2026Apple producers: Slightly unprofitable - Bullish 12-month outlook
Apple packers: Slightly profitable - Neutral 12-month outlook
Anecdotal reports suggest the 2026 crop will be notably smaller than the last three years and closer to the historical average. An average size crop is supportive of prices.
With a smaller 2026 apple crop, packer margins may tighten due to lower volume throughput.
While the bulk of apples produced in the U.S. is sold domestically, export markets are relatively important and make up anywhere from 15% to 20% of total production. Foreign markets are particularly important for older varieties that have fallen out of fashion in the U.S., namely Red and Golden Delicious. Mexico, Canada, Taiwan, Vietnam and India are the largest foreign markets. While Washington has a reputation for producing superior-quality fruit, exports are sensitive to trade policy given significant production levels from competitors in Europe, China, Chile and South Africa. Between 2021 and 2024, U.S. apple exports to India fell to near-zero levels due to retaliatory tariffs. Apple imports make up a very small portion of the total domestic supply.
Apple production, exports and imports
Source: USApple Outlook Reports.
Tariff tracker - Tariff rates applied to U.S. trade partners are consistenly updated to reflect policy changes. The World Trade Organization (WTO) tracks duties and tariffs on fresh apples. For your convenience, the following links will take you to tariff data for Vietnam and India. Apples are currently exempt from tariffs with Mexico and Canada under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), but please refer to the U.S. Trade Representative website for up-to-date information. WTO also tracks rates for apple imports to the U.S. Please consult with a trade lawyer or professional for detailed and up-to-date insights on tariff rates and their application to fresh apples.
For guidance on interpreting duty and tariff rates, please refer our Tariff Guide.
