U.S. apple production still on the rise after three years, industry has “real opportunity” in exports

Released at their Outlook event in Chicago, USApple's 2025 Industry Outlook Report estimates a total U.S. apple production of 11.7 billion pounds this year. This projection marks a 1.3 percent increase from 2024 and solidifies an upward trend for the third consecutive year.

When it comes to varieties, the Outlook Report ranks Gala as the top favorite, and the organization estimates that 47 million bushels of the fruit will hit the shelves, giving it a 16 percent domestic market share. At number two comes Red Delicious with 39 million bushels, followed by Honeycrisp with 34 million bushels, Granny Smith with 32 million bushels, and finally Fuji with 25 million bushels.

Photo courtesy of Ivar Leidus.

Washington state remains the top apple producer in the country, with a forecast record crop of more than 180 million bushels valued at nearly $2.3 billion (up 1 percent from last year). New York comes in second with 30.5 million bushels (down 0.7 percent from last season), followed by Michigan, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Oregon.

USApple says this year the American Apple industry has a real opportunity to solidify its position as an exporter. Companies are currently exploring new trading partners abroad, such as Taiwan, Thailand, and India, and pushing to open new high-value markets, such as South Korea and Japan.

Fresh apple exports declined 5 percent year-over-year, but USApple says trade balance remains strong despite the drop. To date, exports have reached 40 million bushels, valued at $900 million.

"With China down 100 million bushels and Turkiye’s crop off by 40 percent, the U.S. has a real opportunity,” said USApple Vice President of Insights and Analytics Chris Gerlach. He noted that considering the European country's role as a major supplier to India could help reopen the door for American apples to regain a market share there.

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