Aug 15, 2025

USApple predicts 279 million bushel 2025-26 apple crop

Following consecutive years of above-average production, apple growers expect another high-performing year, according to a new report released by the U.S. Apple Association (USApple) at the organization’s 130th annual Outlook Conference in Chicago.

USApple is forecasting 278.5 million 42-pound bushels or 11.7 billion pounds, up 1.3% from last year and 3.6% above the five-year production average.

For the 2024-25 crop, U.S. apple producers were forecast to harvest 260 million bushels in the August report.

Authored by Chris Gerlach, USApple’s vice president of insights and analytics, Industry Outlook 2025 provides the most up-to-date data and analysis on U.S. and global apple production, utilization and trade, according to a news release. 

The Outlook Report features U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates. Following the presentation of these figures, USApple members met in person to discuss current growing conditions and develop a more up-to-date production forecast, with the numbers reflecting that industry adjustment.

The USApple figures are more comprehensive than the USDA data, which only reflect the top seven apple-producing states. USApple analyzes production from states outside of the top seven and adds that into USDA’s figure. It also incorporates feedback from growers based on what they’re seeing in the field every day. 

The USDA predicts 290 million bushels for the 2025-26 crop.

State production

At the state level:

• Washington remains the nation’s top producer with a forecasted record crop of more than 180 million bushels valued at nearly $2.3 billion, up 1% from 2024/25.
• New York holds the No. 2 spot at 30.5 million bushels, a 0.7% decrease from last season.
• Michigan is up 10% to about 30 million bushels.
• Pennsylvania is up 2% at 10.5 million bushels.
• Virginia is down 50% to 2.75 million bushels.
• Oregon is up 40% to 3.9 million bushels.

“The U.S. grows the best apples in the world, and this year we will certainly have plenty for domestic and global consumption,” Gerlach said in the release. “That said, growers carefully select what comes off the tree to ensure only the highest quality fruit makes it to the store. And with skyrocketing labor costs, growers are having to be even more disciplined in their harvest decisions.”

Varietal mix

At the varietal level, Gala is expected to retain the top spot. The top five:

Gala: 47 million bushels (16% of U.S. production)

• Gala: 47 million bushels (16% of U.S. production)
• Red Delicious – 39 million bushels (13%)
• Honeycrisp – 34 million bushels (12%)
• Granny Smith – 32 million bushels (11%)
• Fuji – 25 million bushels (9%)

Varieties on the rise include Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Cosmic Crisp® and Pink Lady/Cripps Pink. Gala, Fuji and Rome are trending down. 

Trade

While fresh apple exports declined 5% year over year, the U.S. maintained a strong trade balance in 2024/25 (July–June):

• Exports: 44M bushels
• Imports: <5M bushels

Net exports: ~40M bushels valued at $900 million

“With another large crop on the way, maintaining and expanding exports is essential,” Gerlach said in the release. “We’re exploring all avenues to strengthen our presence in established markets like Taiwan, Thailand, and India, while pushing to open new high-value markets such as South Korea and Japan.” 

Global context

According to United Nations (UN) data, worldwide apple production is more than 5 billion bushels. In 2023 (latest data point), China alone was responsible for producing 51% of the world’s total supply, with the U.S. producing the second-largest share of the global crop.

• China – 2.6 billion bushels (51% of global supply
• United States – 5.3% of global supply 
• Turkey – 4.7% 
• Poland – 4% 
• India – 3% 

“With China down 100 million bushels and Turkey’s crop off by 40%, the U.S. has a real opportunity,” Gerlach said in the release. “Given Turkey’s role as a major supplier to India, this could open the door for us to regain market share there.”