CHICAGO, IL - 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.

The Outlook Report features the United States 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 — the numbers below reflect that adjustment.

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% from last year
• 3.6% 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 the 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 in the recent 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 with nearly 47 million bushels, accounting for 16% of the market. The top five:

• 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,” 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.”

See the full recap here.