China agreed to open its market to imports of all varieties of U.S.-grown apples, a step that USDA said could expand apple exports, worth $1 billion in 2013, by 10 percent. USDA said the apple industry estimates that shipments to China could reach 5 million bushels annually , worth $100 million. The agreement was reached over the weekend during bilateral talks in San Francisco.
U.S. Apple Association said the agreement will take effect in 45 days and covers all U.S. varieties from all states. “Chinese access to the U.S. market was in final negotiations and was approved by the agreement,” said the trade group.
“(A)chieving full access for all varieties from all states was a critical achievement for U.S. growers,” said U.S. Apple, because China approved imports of Red Delicious and Golden Delicious varieties grown in Washington state last October but production of them is declining.