China, Chile, France and Poland see annual apple exports decline by nearly 900 thsd tons

Four major global fresh apple exporters — China, Chile, France and Poland — have recorded a combined decline of 896 thsd tons in average annual shipments to international markets. According to EastFruit analyst, a comparison of average export volumes in 2016–2018 and 2023–2025 points to significant structural changes in global apple trade. China recorded the largest decline at 346 thsd tons, followed by Chile at 222 thsd tons, France at 180 thsd tons and Poland at 148 thsd tons. However, the reasons behind the export declines differ considerably across the four countries.

China, the world’s largest apple producer with annual output of around 47–49 mln tons, saw its average annual exports fall by 27.5%, from 1.26 mln to 913 thsd tons. Its share of global fresh apple exports declined from 14.2% to 12.3%. The main factors included rising labor costs, aging orchards, stricter quality requirements from international buyers and increasing competition. At the same time, China’s large domestic market allows producers to redirect part of their output to domestic sales.

In Chile, average annual fresh apple exports declined by 29.4%, from 753 thsd to 532 thsd tons. One of the main reasons was growers shifting toward more profitable crops, particularly sweet cherries, which are in strong demand across Asian markets. As a result, Chile’s apple orchard area decreased by approximately 31%, from 36.2 thsd ha in 2015/16 to 25 thsd ha in 2024/25. Chilean exporters also face growing competition from South Africa, which increased its average annual apple shipments by 149 thsd tons between the two periods.

France recorded a 35% decline in average annual apple exports, with shipments falling from 514 thsd to 334 thsd tons. Key factors included high production costs, particularly labor expenses, shrinking orchard areas and the loss of traditional export markets. According to FranceAgriMer, French apple exports fell from approximately 800 thsd tons in 2003 to 314 thsd tons in 2023. Meanwhile, domestic apple purchases in France declined by 35%, from 20 kg to 13 kg per household annually, further complicating sales.

In Poland, average annual fresh apple exports declined by 16.2%, from 915 thsd to 767 thsd tons, although the country’s share of global trade remained close to 10.3%. The Polish apple industry continues to adapt to the loss of traditional markets, particularly Russia, and increasingly strict quality requirements from importers. Currently, approximately 60–70% of Poland’s apple harvest is directed to industrial processing, depending on the season. According to EastFruit, exporters’ future competitiveness will increasingly depend on orchard modernization, improved product quality and the ability to adapt to international buyers’ requirements.

Tags: Chile, apples, China, export, France, Poland