India’s apple imports are projected to grow by 19 percent to reach 5.11 lakh tonnes during the 2026-27 marketing year, driven by higher domestic consumption and growing demand for premium varieties. According to forecasts by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service office in New Delhi, total apple consumption in the country is expected to rise by 5 percent to 2.91 million tonnes. This upward trend is supported by increasing disposable incomes, a greater health consciousness among consumers, and expanding demand for processed apple products. Meanwhile, domestic apple production is anticipated to increase moderately by 3 percent to 2.59 million tonnes. Last year’s output faced setbacks due to erratic weather conditions and unseasonal spring rains that impacted yields in major growing regions like Himachal Pradesh. Traders have navigated currency volatility and elevated freight costs, yet market fundamentals indicate a strong recovery in overseas shipments.