According to new USDA report, production will grow 6 per cent compared to 2024, with quality in Washington reported to be “exceptional”
The 2025 US apple harvest is on course to reach around 5.2mn tonnes, 6 per cent more than last year. The figures, published by the US Department of Agriculture in its latest Fruit and Tree Nuts Outlook report, peg this year’s crop as one of the three biggest of the last decade.
According to the USDA, climatic, logistical, and market factors are shaping a promising season, albeit one with challenges.
Washington state continues to be the heart of national production, contributing nearly two-thirds of the total harvest and the bulk of the export crop. In 2025, its crop is projected to reach a record 3.6mn tonnes, a 7 per cent increase over the previous year. The USDA said fruit quality is “exceptional”, with uniform sizes and vibrant colours thanks to a summer of stable weather conditions.
Gala, Honeycrisp, and Granny Smith varieties dominate the region’s orchards and account for nearly half of the state’s total production.
However, labour shortages remain a concern for the industry. Many growers fear that a lack of workers during the peak harvest weeks will prevent them from picking all the available fruit.
In New York, the nation’s second-largest apple-producing region, growers are anticipating a 12 per cent increase in annual production, giving an estimated total of 657,000 tonnes. Although the season began with difficulties – an early drought affected fruit development – late summer rains helped restore quality and size. Here, McIntosh, Gala, and Rome are the star varieties, mostly destined for the domestic market.
Meanwhile, Michigan will experience a slight decrease in output of 4 per cent, bringing its production to 490,000 tonnes. Despite this, the USDA said the state maintains a high level of efficiency thanks to higher planting density and the modernisation of its orchards. Gala, Fuji, and Red Delicious varieties continue to be the most widely cultivated in the state.
In the eastern part of the country, Pennsylvania maintains its stable production at 195,000 tonnes, with reports of excellent quality fruit destined primarily for processing and domestic consumption. In contrast, Virginia faces a significant blow: a 28 per cent reduction compared to 2024, a consequence of spring frosts that severely damaged the buds.
On the west coast, Oregon recorded its best season since 2020, with 38 per cent growth, driven by favourable weather conditions and new commercial plantings. California, although smaller in total volume, contributes 72,000 tonnes to the toal, highlighting a notable rebound in the Honeycrisp variety, which could become the third best-selling variety in the country.
The USDA also highlighted the sector’s strong performance on international markets. During the 2024/25 season, the US exported 840,000 tonnes of fresh apples, equivalent to 25 per cent of the total production destined for fresh consumption. Within this flow, organic exports reached a new record of 167,000 tonnes, with Mexico as the main destination for both conventional and organic fruit.
However, the USDA warned that this season’s bigger crop could bring downward pressure on prices during the autumn months. Increased domestic supply, combined with growing competition in international markets, could reduce profit margins, especially for small and medium-sized producers, it warned.
Nevertheless, the USDA summarised that “the 2025 apple harvest reflects a scenario of growth and resilience, driven by favourable conditions and an industry that continues to prioritise quality, varietal diversification, and the opening of new markets. Even so, challenges remain: labour, price volatility, and climate change will continue to shape the sector, which, despite the difficulties, remains a symbol of productivity and agricultural pride in the US”.
