US: Northwest apple exports down as Eastern European growers usurp the market At the moment, Washington state apple growers are shipping some 20 percent less fruit abroad, compared with this time last year. This means a drop to export levels not seen since 2003-2004, says Washington Apple Commission president Todd Fryhover. The upsurge in online shopping by US consumers during the pandemic has prompted a boost in imports from Asia. But that left US agriculture products without a ride back. Many ships aren't waiting to be loaded with agricultural goods at West Coast ports before heading back across the ocean with empty containers. The Trump administration's trade war has also hit apples hard.