Apples are Washington State’s number one crop with a yield of 108.7 million boxes in 2011 and a record 129.5 million boxes in 2012. Production in other areas such as New York, Michigan, Mexico, Canada and Europe have been down, however an increase in apple tree planting in New York, Michigan and California means that if production reaches normal levels once again, the market could be flooded and prices will fall. Overseas sales of apples, to absorb the excess production, are becoming more and more important for Washington State and the whole U.S. apple industry. Industry reps view China as the most promising overseas market. However in August 2012 China closed its borders to U.S. apples claiming evidence of post-harvest diseases that they did not want affecting domestic fruit. China and the U.S. have been in negotiations on reopening the market but have not been able to come to an agreement as of yet. To read more about the global trade of apples and the issues surrounding the U.S., China as well as other countries around the world: