World apple production during 2015-16 is forecast to increase slightly over last year, with higher production in China largely offset by lower production in the U.S. and the European Union (EU).

In a report, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) said production was set to increase 'slightly' year-on-year to 76.9 million metric tons (MT).

Global trade is forecast lower, driven by a downturn in demand from Belarus, Mexico, and Russia.

The report said China's production would rise 5% to 43 million MT, thanks to higher bearing acreage and favorable weather.

Exports from the Asian country are forecast to surge 50% to 1.2 million MT, with Bangladesh and Thailand driving much of the growth.

Source: USDA

The EU's volumes are forecast down 10% to 12.2 million MT, due to lower output primarily in Poland, Hungary, and Italy.

Exports from the EU are expected to drop 12% to 1.6 million MT, as a result of smaller shipments to Eastern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.

Meanwhile, U.S. production is expected to drop 10% to 4.5 million MT due to 'adverse weather in all growing areas', according to the USDA.

Exports are forecast to plummet to their lowest level in six years, dropping by a quarter to 780,000 due to smaller lower shipments to Mexico, India, and most U.S. markets.

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