Apple production expected to fall

South Korea

Wednesday 04 October 2017

South Korea produces about 2.7 million tonnes of fruit per year, including 692 000 tonnes of citrus fruits and 540 000 tonnes of apples (average of the last 3 years).

Despite a slight increase in the agricultural area dedicated to apple crops, South Korea is expected to decline by 2.8% of its production for the marketing year 2017/18 (July-June).

According to the recent USDA FAS report, Korean apple production is estimated at 560 000 tonnes, about 2.8% lower than the previous season (576 369 tonnes). This decline is the result of hail damage in early June in the main apple production area (Gyeongsang province). The area of apples is expected to increase slightly (+ 0.9%) to a total of 33,600 hectares in the country.

Korean exports of fresh apples are low, accounting for about 1% of total production. Thus, during the 2016 year, the country exported about 4 000 tons of apples. Taiwan is the largest export market with 60% (2,389 tons), followed by Singapore (11.6%) and Hong Kong (10%).

South Korea imports about 10 000 tonnes of processed apple products per year (juice, dried apples). But not a fresh apple due to an existing quarantine

source : gain.fas.usda.gov