After two straight 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.

Authored by USApple Vice President of Insights and Analytics, Chris Gerlach, Industry Outlook 2025 provides the most up-to-date data and analysis on U.S. and global apple production, utilization and trade.

U.S. Production 
According to USApple’s analysis, total U.S. apple production for the 2025/26 crop year (CY) is forecast at:

• 11.7 billion pounds / 278.5 million bushels
• Up 1.3 percent from last year
• 3.6 percent above the five-year production average

These 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 U.S. grows the best apples in the world, and this year we will certainly have plenty for domestic and global consumption,” said Gerlach. “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 with nearly 47 million bushels, accounting for 16percent of the market. The top five:

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

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 percent 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,” said Gerlach. “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.”

State Production 
At the state level:

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

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 51percent of the world’s total supply, with the U.S. producing the second-largest share of the global crop.

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

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