Apple Prices in the United States from 2020 to 2025

For 2020, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported an average retail price of $1.52 per pound for apples (all varieties, not just Red Delicious). This aligns with a stable year for supply—USDA data shows U.S. production at 4.6 million metric tons, down slightly from 2019’s 4.8 million due to demand shifts during the pandemic. Grower prices averaged $0.43 per pound (USDA-NASS), suggesting a farm share of about 28%, with retail markups reflecting transport and grocery margins. Export prices were $1.07 per kilogram ($0.49 per pound), per IndexBox, as the U.S. shipped 809,308 metric tons.

In 2021, retail prices rose to $1.57 per pound (BLS). Production rebounded to 4.7 million metric tons, and grower prices hit $0.45 per pound (USDA-NASS), buoyed by a 6.9% export value jump to $987 million (IndexBox). Export prices climbed to $1.23 per kilogram ($0.56 per pound), reflecting stronger global demand. The farm share nudged up to 29%, but costs like labor and shipping kept retail prices creeping higher.

By 2022, retail prices averaged $1.65 per pound (BLS), up due to inflation and a decent crop of 4.6 million metric tons. Grower prices held at $0.46 per pound (USDA-NASS), with a farm share around 28%. Export prices dipped slightly to $1.20 per kilogram ($0.54 per pound), despite a 5-cent drop in retail from 2020’s peak, as supply stabilized and import competition grew. Honeycrisp supply surged, softening some variety-specific prices.

For 2023, retail prices jumped to $1.80 per pound (BLS and ERS estimates), driven by a bumper crop—ideal weather boosted production to 4.8 million metric tons (USDA). Grower prices rose to $0.50 per pound, with a farm share of 28%, per ERS. Export prices averaged $1.25 per kilogram ($0.57 per pound), with total export value hitting $930 million (IndexBox). A 13% retail price drop from May 2022 to May 2023 (BLS CPI) reflects this supply flood, especially for varieties like Honeycrisp.

In 2024, retail prices likely settled around $1.85-$1.90 per pound, extrapolating from BLS trends and a 2-3% inflation bump. Production data is incomplete, but August export prices fell to $1.14 per kilogram ($0.52 per pound), down 2.7% from July (IndexBox), suggesting softer demand or oversupply. Grower prices might have edged to $0.52-$0.54 per pound, assuming steady farm share and rising input costs (fuel, labor). The U.S. apple market hit $8.5 billion (IndexBox), hinting at stable volume with slight price pressure.

For 2025, we’re projecting. Retail prices could reach $1.95-$2.05 per pound, assuming a 3-5% annual increase from inflation and potential weather risks (e.g., droughts or storms in Washington, which grows 60% of U.S. apples). Export prices might climb to $1.30-$1.35 per kilogram ($0.59-$0.61 per pound), per IndexBox’s gradual growth trend, with production possibly holding at 4.7-4.8 million metric tons unless disrupted. Grower prices could hit $0.55-$0.58 per pound, reflecting higher costs but squeezed margins if supply stays high.

Prices vary by variety—Honeycrisp often tops $2.50 per pound retail, while Red Delicious might lag at $1.50—and by region, with urban areas pricier than rural ones. Seasonality matters too: fall harvests drop prices, winter storage raises them.