China: Fresh Deciduous Fruit Annual
China is the world’s dominant producer of apples, pears, and table grapes, comprising roughly 50%, 75%, and 47% of total output, respectively. Post forecasts China’s apple production at 37.8 MMT in MY 2014/15, down 5 percent from the previous year because of cold, wet weather in the major growing regions. Pear production is expected to recover by 7 percent to 18.5 MMT in MY 2014/15, while grape production is forecast to increase 11 percent to 9 MMT. U.S. apples exports are expected to grow dramatically over the next few years due to China’s October 2014 decision to lift the ban on Red and Golden Delicious apples from Washington State.
