Apple market in Australia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the Australian fresh apple market volume remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 262 and 265 thousand tonnes. Strong consumer demand for healthy, portable snacks supported the market during these years. In 2020, modifications to the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme and temporary work visa requirements affected the availability of agricultural labor, creating challenges for production and supply.

The market expanded notably to 279 thousand tonnes in 2021 and further to 306 thousand tonnes in 2022. This growth was primarily driven by increased production and a strategic focus on diversifying export market access, which boosted overall industry output. During this period, rising imports from China also contributed to domestic supply. However, by 2023, market volume contracted to 284 thousand tonnes. Concurrently, the industry intensified efforts to improve fruit quality through data-driven practices and invested in smart packaging innovations to enhance freshness and traceability.

Looking ahead, the industry strategy for 2025-2030 emphasizes growth based on population increase and stable per capita demand, with a rising preference for premium apple varieties that offer better returns to growers. High production costs and reliance on the domestic market continue to shape the sector's dynamics.

Production apple in Australia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Top producers of apple, 2018-2021

World map of production of apple, 2018-2021

Apple production in Australia rebounded after a two-year decline. In 2021, the country produced 280.3 thousand tonnes of apples, representing a 6.6% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 4.4%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 1.5%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 263.0 thousand tonnes, with the largest year-on-year decline of 1.2% occurring that same year.

Annual dynamics of production in Australia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Australia's apple production value increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the output was valued at 523.6 million US dollars, marking a moderate rise of 7.1% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, the production value grew by 14.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 4.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 421.5 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 7.8%. However, this was followed by a significant recovery in 2020 with the largest increase of 16.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Australia in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports apple from Australia

Exports in kind, t

After a two-year reduction, Australia's apple exports showed a strong recovery. In 2021, the country exported 2 664 tonnes of apples, reflecting a substantial rise of 23.1% compared to the previous year. However, looking at the broader period from 2018 to 2021, exports actually decreased by 36.9%, which corresponds to an annualized decline of 14.2%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2020 at 2 164 tonnes, with the largest year-on-year drop of 46.5% occurring that same year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Australia in kind, 2018-2021, t

Between 2018 and 2021, Papua New Guinea (24.9% of exports in volume), Italy (12.3%), and Hong Kong (11.9%) were among the largest buyers of Australian apples. However, even combined, these three markets represented just 49.1% of total export volumes, indicating a broadly diversified partner base for Australia's apple exports.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Australia in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Apple export revenues from Australia rebounded strongly after a two-year decline. In 2021, export value reached 4 976 thousand US dollars, showing a robust gain of 23.6% compared to the previous year. Despite this recent recovery, exports decreased by 30.8% over the 2018-2021 period, equating to an annualized decline of 11.5%. The lowest export value was recorded in 2020 at 4 025 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest year-on-year decline of 37.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Australia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Australia's apple exports in value terms showed moderate concentration. Papua New Guinea (23.7% of export value), Hong Kong (14.1%), and the Netherlands (8.3%) were the leading markets, but together they accounted for only 46.1% of total export flows, indicating a relatively diversified export structure.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Australia in value, 2018-2021

Imports apple to Australia

Imports in kind, t

Australia's apple imports showed significant fluctuations during the period. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 578 tonnes, while imports peaked in 2020 at 1 515 tonnes - representing a 2.6-fold difference between these two years. In 2021, imports amounted to 1 256 tonnes, down by 17.1% year-on-year. The largest increase occurred in 2020 with a dramatic rise of 162.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Australia in kind, 2018-2021, t

Between 2018 and 2021, Australia's apple imports in volume terms were highly concentrated, with China accounting for 96.2% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Australia in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Australia's apple import values experienced notable volatility during the period. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 1 015 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 22.1%. Imports then surged to their peak in 2021 at 3 110 thousand US dollars, marking a robust advance of 17.6% year-over-year. The period saw a 3.1-fold difference between the minimum and maximum values, with the largest increase of 160.4% occurring in 2020.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Australia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, China dominated Australia's apple imports in value terms, accounting for 95.8% of total import flows, making it essentially the sole supplier to the Australian market.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Australia in value, 2018-2021