India, Vietnam and Brazil increase apple imports despite declining global trade

Global trade in fresh apples has declined by more than 20% over the past decade, yet some countries continue to actively increase their purchases. The strongest import growth has been recorded in India, Vietnam and Brazil, where demand is supported by changing consumer preferences, rising household incomes and limitations in domestic production. According to an international trade analysis conducted by agricultural economist Andriy Yarmak, these three countries recorded the largest increases in apple import volumes among the markets examined.

A comparison of annual averages for 2016–2018 and 2022–2024 shows that South Asia recorded the largest regional increase in apple imports, up 35% from 363 thsd tons to 491 thsd tons. Southeast Asia added nearly 89 thsd tons, or 13%, while Latin America and the Caribbean recorded an increase of approximately 55 thsd tons. Meanwhile, Europe’s annual average imports declined by around 541 thsd tons, or nearly 20%, and North America’s imports fell by 116 thsd tons, or about 30%. As a result, the main growth opportunities for exporters are increasingly shifting away from traditional markets.

India recorded the largest increase among individual countries, with annual average apple imports rising by 61%, from 286 thsd tons to 461 thsd tons. Despite domestic production of approximately 2.5–2.6 mln tons annually, the country requires additional supplies due to growing consumption and domestic logistics challenges. Around 90% of India’s apple crop is concentrated in the mountainous regions of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, making deliveries to major consumption centers more difficult. The expansion of modern retail and demand for apples across different price segments are also supporting import growth.

Vietnam recorded even stronger growth, with annual average apple imports nearly tripling from 62 thsd tons to 186 thsd tons, an increase of approximately 199%. The main drivers were rising household incomes, urbanization and the expansion of retail networks. While imported apples were previously considered mainly premium products and were often purchased as gifts, they are increasingly becoming a regular part of household grocery shopping. The market offers both more affordable Chinese apples and higher-priced products from New Zealand, the United States, South Africa and EU countries.

Brazil increased its annual average apple imports by 68%, from 103 thsd tons to 173 thsd tons. Unlike Vietnam, Brazil has a substantial domestic apple industry, but production and quality challenges have increased its reliance on imports. In particular, unfavorable weather conditions, lower stocks and shortages of fruit meeting required size specifications limited domestic suppliers in 2023–2024. At the same time, rising consumer purchasing power and higher quality expectations are generating additional demand for imported fruit.

Apple imports have also increased in Israel, Hungary and China. Israel nearly doubled its annual average imports to 56 thsd tons, Hungary recorded a 129% increase to 46 thsd tons, while China’s imports rose from 67 thsd tons to 92 thsd tons. The reasons vary, ranging from domestic production and storage challenges to growing demand for premium imported varieties. Overall, changes in global apple trade indicate a gradual shift in exporters’ focus toward markets in Asia, Latin America and Africa, where the potential for further consumption growth remains significant.

Tags: imports, apples, global market, Brazil, Vietnam, India