Jul 23, 2024

Michigan Apple exports increase since 2020

The Michigan Apple industry has seen a steep increase in apple exports since 2020, with bushels shipped increasing by 40%, according to the U.S. Apple Export Council.

“Michigan’s surge in apple exports is a testament to our growers’ resilience and the strategic efforts of the U.S. Apple Export Council (USAEC). In a challenging domestic market, this growth not only supports our local economy but also strengthens our global presence and opens new opportunities for the future,” said Kari Soldaat, chair of U.S. Apple Export Council and director of sales for Riveridge Produce Marketing.

USAEC is a not-for-profit trade association that represents five apple producing states: California, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Founded in 1993, USAEC actively promotes U.S. apples in many international markets and seeks out new opportunities to expand exports on behalf of our member states.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Michigan Apple exports reduced to only 6,090 bushels in 2021. In 2023, Michigan exported 147,917 bushels to Canada, Central America, Colombia, Mexico, Southeast Asia and the Caribbean. In 2023, Michigan Apple exports brought a value of $3,137,000 to the industry.

“As Michigan continues to produce larger crops, our work to access new and existing export markets across the globe continues to be imperative,” said Diane Smith, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee and board member of USAEC. “As with everything else, the COVID pandemic severely impacted exports and reduced the opportunities to move apples outside our borders. Our industry is fortunate to be seeing this significant increase thanks to the work of the US Apple Export Council and Michigan’s apple export companies.”

In total, all five state members of the USAEC brought a value of nearly $13,000,000 through exports, moving 534,453 bushels of apples into global export markets.

The Michigan Apple Committee is a grower-funded nonprofit organization devoted to marketing, education and research activities to distinguish the Michigan apple and encourage its consumption in Michigan and around the world. For more information, visit michiganapples.com.