Apple exports from the Southern Hemisphere were down 15% year-on-year in the season to week 14 at 306,509 metric tons (MT), according to a report from the World Apple and Pear Association (WAPA).

Exports would have dropped further still if it weren't for a 14% rise for New Zealand, which only had data available to week 13. The country sent 20% more apples to European Union, and while volumes were fairly small its exports to the U.S. and Canada were almost triple what they were last year at that stage.

The largest drop was seen for the biggest shipper Chile, with exports 27% lower year-on-year at 145,787MT. The smallest drop was for South Africa, which was 5% down at 65,119MT. No data from Brazil was included.

The report showed Southern Hemisphere pear exports were stagnant at 273,692MT, however the data from South Africa and New Zealand was to weeks 10 and 13 respectively.

The majority of volume came from Argentina with a 3% year-on-year rise to 165,030MT, while Chile's exports fell 5% to 61,717MT.

Pear intakes fell 20% year-on-year in the U.S. and Canada, while purchases were 15% higher in Europe.

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