Apple market in India

Earlier Report Observations

The Indian apple market volume showed significant growth over the 2018-2023 period, rising from 2.6 million tonnes to 3.3 million tonnes, though not without annual fluctuations. Initial government interventions, such as the Market Intervention Scheme providing procurement and price support, alongside state-level promotion of high-yielding varieties, laid a foundation for domestic production. This period was subsequently shaped by a decisive protectionist shift in 2019, where import duties on US apples were raised to 70%, which curtailed inbound shipments and contributed to a temporary market contraction.

A pivotal expansion occurred in 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic heightened consumer focus on health and boosted demand for fresh fruit like apples, driving market volume to nearly 3 million tonnes. Subsequent years saw the market navigating a complex landscape of rising premium imports and domestic policy responses. Record import volumes in 2021 met specific consumer demand, while continued state-backed procurement schemes helped stabilize domestic producer prices. The market's consistent growth through 2022 and 2023 was further supported by public investments in cold-chain infrastructure, which aimed to improve year-round distribution and availability.

Entering 2024, the market's structure was influenced by a policy reversal, with the removal of retaliatory duties on US apples altering import competition. Concurrently, a reinforced emphasis on export-quality standards under APEDA guidelines and the continued operation of price-support mechanisms indicated an evolving focus on both domestic stability and quality-driven growth in the sector.

Production apple in India

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

India was among the world's leading apple producers from 2017 to 2020, ranking fifth globally by production volume.

Top producers of apple, 2017-2020

World map of production of apple, 2017-2020

In 2020, India produced 2 814 K t of apples, marking a 21.5% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 24.2%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5%. The only decline during this time occurred in 2019, when production fell by 0.5%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

India's apple production increased for the second consecutive year in 2020, with output valued at 1 304 M $ US, up 11.5% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 13.8%, translating to a CAGR of 4.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 061 M $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 7.5% during the period.

Annual dynamics of production in India in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports apple from India

Exports in kind, K t

Apple exports from India increased for the third consecutive year in 2020, reaching 30.3 K t—a sharp 56.2% rise year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports surged by 316.9%, with a CAGR of 60.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Nepal and Bangladesh were the primary buyers of Indian apples, together accounting for 98.4% of total exports in volume.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Apple exports from India grew for the third straight year in 2020, totaling 14.1 M $ US—a significant 43.3% increase compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports expanded by 281.8%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 56.3%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Nepal and Bangladesh dominated India's apple exports in value terms, jointly representing 96.4% of total flows, while other markets contributed minimally.

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

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

Imports apple to India

Imports in kind, K t

Apple imports into India declined for the third consecutive year in 2020, dropping to 215.5 K t—an 11.2% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 34.8%, with a CAGR of -13.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States (31.2% of imports in volume), China (13.8%), and Chile (13.1%) consistently led India's apple imports, together making up 58.2% of total volume.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Apple imports into India decreased for the third year in a row in 2020, amounting to 201.3 M $ US—a notable 17.5% drop from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports declined by 34.6%, corresponding to an annualized rate of -13.2%.

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

During 2017-2020, the United States (34.0% of imports in value), Chile (13.9%), and China (11.7%) remained India's key apple import partners, collectively accounting for 59.5% of total import value.

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

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