World fresh pear forecast 2016/2017
World pear production is forecast up nearly 400,000 tons to a record 25.4 million as gains in China more than offset smaller crops in the EU. Global trade is forecast up on China’s exports to Asian markets.
China
China’s production is forecast up 600,000 tons to 19.3 million on bearings from new plantings. Exports are also projected to continue their upward trend, rising 79,000 tons to a record 480,000 tons on higher shipments to Asian markets, especially Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia. Imports are projected up slightly to 10,000 tons on continued modest growth in demand for Western pears.
Europe
The production of the EU is expected to decline 220,000 tons to 2.3 million due to cold temperatures and wet weather during bloom in top growing Member States Italy, Belgium, and Spain. Exports are forecast down 45,000 tons to 265,000 as diminished production leads to lower shipments to North African countries. Lower domestic supplies are projected to drive imports up 53,000 tons to 275,000, propelling the EU past Russia as the top importer.
United States
The forecast points at a slight shrinkage in the United States to 707,000 tons, driven mostly by fewer bearing acres in western growing states, and continuing a multi-year trend. Exports are projected down to 150,000 tons on lower shipments to Mexico. Imports are slated to rise 6,000 tons to 85,000 on lower production, boosting deliveries from Chile and Argentina.
South America
Production is forecast to make a slight improvement, rising 10,000 tons to 590,000 though unfavorable weather conditions and lower planting area continue to suppress output in Argentina. Exports are unchanged at 320,000 tons as persistent high input costs continue to inhibit growth. Over the last 6 years, production and exports have dropped over 30 percent.
Chile’s production is projected to rebound from last year’s weather-affected crop, up 13,000 tons to 280,000 due to higher chill hours during the winter. Exports are expected to follow suit, rising 15,000 tons to 140,000 as greater exportable supplies lead to improved shipments to top markets EU and the United States.
South Africa
South Africa’s production is forecast up 10,000 tons to 440,000 due to new plantings coming into production and favorable growing conditions. Exports are forecast at 260,000 tons, up 11,000 tons on greater exportable supplies.
Russia
The production in Russia is expected to improve slightly to 159,000 tons on good growing conditions as area remains unchanged. Imports are forecast to continue their downward drift, sliding 18,000 tons to 245,000 due to lower supplies from Belarus and Russia’s continued ban on pears from certain countries.
source: usda.gov