Apples Have Abroad Appeal Current Washington State Apple Crop Sets New Export Records

Washington apple exports have reached an all-time high of 33.3 million boxes, breaking the old record set two years ago of 30.6 million.

A report released by the state’s two major shipping associations show exports from the 1996-97 crop were 44 percent higher than the previous year, with Pacific Rim countries receiving roughly half of the total exports.

The 12-month reporting period, which follows the marketing cycle of a normal crop, ended Aug. 31.

“There were three reasons for the excellent export market we had this past year,” said Glady Bellamy of Columbia Marketing International in Wenatchee. “First, we had the medium to small-sized apples that a lot of countries prefer. Also, we were very competitively priced compared to other countries, which helped in price-sensitive markets. Most importantly, we had outstanding quality all year.”

Washington Apple Commission export director Terry Elwell agreed.

“It was a good year for exports because we had a lot of things working in our favor,” he said.

But, Elwell, added, “We’re concerned about the economic strength of some of our larger Asian export markets, such as Thailand. We’ve seen that an unstable currency in one country can easily affect those around it. Even though we had a record year, we’re watching the economic situation in that region closely.”

Mexico was the state’s largest export customer, purchasing 5.5 million 42-pound boxes. The good season ended with some bad news, however, as the Mexican government announced tariffs of 101 percent on Washington Red and Golden Delicious apples Sept. 1. The duties were in response to complaints from apple growers in Mexico’s Chihuahua apple growing area, who claimed U.S. firms were “dumping” fruit at low prices into the Mexican market.

The charge was quickly challenged by the Northwest Horticultural Council in Yakima, as well as Washington state Governor Gary Locke. Members of the state’s congressional delegation are also demanding an end to the new duties.

“I intend to bring every possible pressure to bear on Mexico to stop this attack on the state of Washington,” Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., said in a statement Thursday. “Mexico’s decision to impose these tariffs hurts Washington now and in the future.

“This case is particularly troubling because Washington’s apple industry has supported Mexico’s efforts to gain access to the U.S. market for important Mexican commodities like tomatoes and avocados,” Murray said.

“We helped Mexico overcome unfair barriers in this country, and this is our thanks?” she said.

Taiwan was the second-largest export destination at 4.2 million boxes. Indonesia was a close third at 4.1 million, followed by Canada, Thailand, The Philippines, Dubai, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia.