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Apple updates
Industry is cautiously optimistic for the 2026 crop.
Apple prices were mixed in July, with gains in Red Delicious, Granny Smith, Fuji, Cosmic Crisp and Cripps Pink varieties partially offset by declines in Gala and Honeycrisp. Prices overall exceed previous expectations and the industry is cautiously optimistic heading into the 2026-27 marketing season. Anecdotal reports suggest the 2026 crop will come in smaller than the 2025 crop, which may be supportive of further price gains. July weather was favorable and crop quality appears good overall, though localized damage from hail occurred in several growing regions. Inventory levels of the 2025 crop are near average levels for this time of year. Reports of deteriorating internal quality for fruit in storage could further deplete supplies.
Cherry harvest is nearly wrapped up and anecdotal reports suggest total Northwest production will come in at about 15 million boxes, notably lower than the initial 18-million-box estimate. The crop came in about two weeks earlier than average and frost events in late March and early April contributed to its smaller size. Weather events in northern growing regions have reportedly led to production losses upwards of 50% as well as reduced quality. The smaller supply has led to an increase in prices late in the season. The 2026 pear crop is expected to come in near average levels and while some frost-related damage has been reported, fruit quality is favorable overall. The closure of Del Monte Foods’ cannery in Yakima, WA in 2025 will continue to challenge the industry, particularly for the Bartlett variety.
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
Industry is cautiously optimistic for the 2026 crop.
Apple prices were mixed in July, with gains in Red Delicious, Granny Smith, Fuji, Cosmic Crisp and Cripps Pink varieties partially offset by declines in Gala and Honeycrisp. Prices overall exceed previous expectations and the industry is cautiously optimistic heading into the 2026-27 marketing season. Anecdotal reports suggest the 2026 crop will come in smaller than the 2025 crop, which may be supportive of further price gains. July weather was favorable and crop quality appears good overall, though localized damage from hail occurred in several growing regions. Inventory levels of the 2025 crop are near average levels for this time of year. Reports of deteriorating internal quality for fruit in storage could further deplete supplies.
Cherry harvest is nearly wrapped up and anecdotal reports suggest total Northwest production will come in at about 15 million boxes, notably lower than the initial 18-million-box estimate. The crop came in about two weeks earlier than average and frost events in late March and early April contributed to its smaller size. Weather events in northern growing regions have reportedly led to production losses upwards of 50% as well as reduced quality. The smaller supply has led to an increase in prices late in the season. The 2026 pear crop is expected to come in near average levels and while some frost-related damage has been reported, fruit quality is favorable overall. The closure of Del Monte Foods’ cannery in Yakima, WA in 2025 will continue to challenge the industry, particularly for the Bartlett variety.
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.
