Apple harvest forecasts diverge for Moldova and the United States

Agricultural forecasts for the 2026–27 period show diverging trends for apple production in Moldova and the United States.

Moldova Fruct has projected an apple harvest of approximately 526,000 metric tons, representing an 18% increase over the previous year. The association expects to export roughly 145,000 metric tons, while 325,000 metric tons are slated for processing. To manage this volume, the organization has advised members to sort fruit by variety and quality early in the season. Additionally, Moldova Fruct is advocating for tax reforms to protect producers, specifically supporting the maintenance of an 8% VAT rate on agricultural products and natural gas used for drying.

In contrast, the U.S. apple crop is estimated to decrease by approximately 6% to 263 million bushels. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and USApple report that the industry is facing pressure from low fruit prices and rising input costs. Regional projections indicate a 2% decrease in Washington state production and a 10% decrease in New York. Industry analysts noted that domestic demand remains flat and exports are below historical levels, impacting overall profit margins for growers.