Apple market in CIS

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, the fresh apple market volume in CIS reached 6.2 million tons, supported by rising domestic production in Russia due to the planting of new intensive orchards and nurseries. However, in 2019 the market contracted to 5.6 million tons as imports declined and production temporarily fell, partly due to a shortage of storage capacity. In 2020, despite unfavorable weather conditions, rapid planting of new orchards helped production recover, while imports continued to shrink, keeping the market volume stable at 5.6 million tons.

From 2021 to 2022, the market volume grew to 5.9 million tons. This growth was driven by continued expansion of apple orchard areas and higher yields in Russia, as well as increased investment in intensive horticulture technologies and modern storage facilities. The entry of new players and the modernization of production capacities further strengthened domestic output.

In 2023, the market volume dropped to 5.6 million tons, reflecting decreases in both production and imports. During this period, new product segments continued to develop and packaging improved to preserve freshness, while consumer preferences shifted towards fresh fruit and healthy eating.

Production apple in CIS

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of apple, 2017-2020

World map of production of apple, 2017-2020

In 2020, CIS countries produced 5 226 K t of apples, marking a 4.7% increase compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 22.3%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 6.9%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 5 342 K t. The largest year-on-year decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 6.5%, while the most significant increase was observed in 2018, reaching 25.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in CIS in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports apple from CIS

Exports in kind, K t

The data shows irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market environment. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 54 K t and peaked in 2019 at 182 K t, representing a 3.4-fold difference between these years. In 2020, CIS exported 166 K t of apples, which is 8.4% lower than the previous year. The most substantial decline was recorded in 2018 at 61.8%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019, surging by 237.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from CIS in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, the country structure of apple exports in volume terms was primarily influenced by Ukraine and Romania, which together accounted for 4.4% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from CIS in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

After two consecutive years of growth, the value of apple exports from CIS countries declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 144.2 M $ US, reflecting a 3.6% decrease compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, export value increased by 30.5%, corresponding to an average annual growth rate of 9.3%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 149.5 M $ US, with the largest year-on-year increase of 18.5% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from CIS in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Throughout the 2017–2020 period, Ukraine (3.4% of export value), Romania (0.8%), and Turkmenistan (0.7%) played leading roles in CIS apple exports by value, collectively accounting for 4.9% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from CIS in value, 2017-2020

Imports apple to CIS

Imports in kind, K t

Apple imports to CIS countries declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume stood at 583 K t, which is 29.9% lower than in 2019. Over the 2017–2020 period, imports decreased by 48.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -19.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to CIS in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Poland (26.6% of import volume), Serbia (13.0%), and China (7.1%) formed the largest group of apple suppliers to CIS countries. However, their combined share was limited to 46.7% of total import volume, indicating a diversified country structure.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to CIS in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Following a two-year decline, the value of apple imports to CIS countries increased. In 2020, import value reached 608.9 M $ US, up by 3.7% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import value decreased by 17.1%, equating to an average annual decline of 6.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 587.1 M $ US, which also saw the largest year-on-year decline of 13.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to CIS in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The structure of apple imports by value from 2017 to 2020 reveals a diversified set of trading partners. Poland (23.8% of import value), Serbia (18.1%), and China (7.3%) together accounted for 49.2% of total import flows, while the remaining 50.8% was distributed among numerous smaller markets.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to CIS in value, 2017-2020