UNITED STATES - China, the largest foreign grower of apples, could soon have access to the U.S. produce market if recent actions by the USDA are any indication of what is to come. According to The Hill the USDA proposed last Thursday to lift the restrictions on apple imports from China despite the existence of 21 pest varieties that could pose a risk to U.S. domestic crops.

“We are proposing to amend the fruits and vegetables regulations to allow the importation of fresh apples (Malus pumila) from China into the continental United States,” read the USDA report. “All apples from China would also be required to be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate with an additional declaration stating that all conditions for the importation of the apples have been met and that the consignment of apples has been inspected and found free of quarantine pests. This action would allow for the importation of apples from China into the continental United States while continuing to provide protection against the introduction of quarantine pests.”

If this proposed change goes into effect, could increased supply lead to a drop in apple prices? While each situation is of course unique, anytime there is a vast increase for the supply of a good, there is the risk of a decrease in price. It is certainly a situation which growers and retailers will want to monitor closely.

For those interested in having their voices heard the USDA is accepting comments from the public for a 60 day period on their website.