New Zealand expands apple exports to Asia as shipments to Europe decline

New Zealand continues to shift its apple exports toward Asian markets, while shipments to the European Union and the United Kingdom are declining. According to a USDA forecast published on October 22, fresh apple exports are expected to increase to 410 thsd tons in the MY 2026/27, compared with 405 thsd tons in the previous season. This would be the highest export volume since 2020/21, with Asian countries remaining the main drivers of demand growth.

During January–August 2026, New Zealand’s apple exports to China increased by 17.7% to 91.3 thsd tons, while shipments to India rose by 33.8% to 50.7 thsd tons. Exports to Vietnam grew by 10.8% to 42.3 thsd tons, while deliveries to Taiwan increased by 4% to 44.8 thsd tons. Meanwhile, exports to the EU declined by 52.1% to 11.7 thsd tons, and shipments to the UK fell by 17.2% to 18.6 thsd tons.

New Zealand’s apple production is forecast to reach 590 thsd tons in 2026/27, compared with 585 thsd tons in the previous season. This could be the country’s second-largest apple harvest on record. The total planted area is expected to increase to 11.25 thsd ha, including 10.9 thsd ha of harvested orchards. Production growth is supported by the recovery of orchards damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023 and expanding plantings in the Canterbury region.

Meanwhile, New Zealand apple growers continue to face rising production costs. Fuel prices increased by 59% in the second quarter of 2026 compared with the same period last year, pushing up transportation, packaging and orchard operating expenses. Additional risks include seasonal labor shortages and potentially drier conditions in eastern growing regions due to El Niño, which could increase irrigation requirements.

Trade agreements are also expected to support further export growth in Asia, particularly the free trade agreement between New Zealand and India, which provides for a reduction in India’s apple import tariff from 50% to 25% within a tariff-rate quota. Meanwhile, New Zealand growers are gradually shifting from traditional varieties such as Braeburn toward higher-value varieties, including Envy, Dazzle and Fuji, in response to international demand and better profit margins.

Tags: EU, apples, New Zealand