Italy Becomes World’s Top Apple Exporter, Outshines U.S. and China

Italy has achieved a remarkable feat in the global apple market, surpassing both the United States and China to become the world’s largest apple exporter. The reopening of the Suez Canal has further boosted its trade, giving Italian apples an edge in international markets.

According to the Italian Agricultural Research Institute (Ismea), Italy now accounts for 16% of the global apple export market, compared to the U.S. at 14% and China at 13%. Other notable exporters include New Zealand, Chile, South Africa, Poland, France, the Netherlands, and Turkey.

In the 2025/26 marketing year, Italy exported over 1 million tons of apples, marking a 24% increase over last year. Germany remains the largest buyer, with Italy holding a 30% share of the market in terms of value. Exports to Germany rose 26% in volume and 23% in revenue compared to the previous year. Spain is the second-largest importer, followed by Saudi Arabia.

Apple Cultivation in Italy
Italy’s apple orchards cover approximately 54,000 hectares, largely concentrated in Bolzano and Trento, which together account for 49% of the national production. Piedmont, Veneto, and Emilia-Romagna contribute another 30%. Campania is famous for its specialty “Annurca” apples. This year, Italy is projected to produce 2,317,545 tons of apples, maintaining the same output level as last year.

The strong performance reflects Italy’s strategic positioning in the global apple market, supported by both favorable geography and high-quality produce. With growing international demand, Italy continues to set benchmarks in agricultural exports.