India Policy May Affect Washington Apple Export Figures

YAKIMA, Wash. (AP) — Washington state's apple exports are expected to take a hit this year following a recent order calling for the closure of all but one of India's ports to apples.

The Yakima Herald-Republic reports India has been Washington's third-largest apple export market in recent years. Vice president of the Yakima-based Northwest Horticultural Council, Mark Powers, says it's still unclear whether the country's decision in September to cut apple imports from all regions will remain in place.

Powers says Washington exported about $100 million worth of apples to India in 2015, with half those apples going through ports that have recently been closed.

The Nhava Sheva port that remains open to apple imports is near Mumbai.

Powers says officials from several countries have been calling for India to reverse its decision.