Fruit imports are sizzling, USDA trade data shows
The value of U.S. imports of fruit lurched ahead by 17% in the year ending April compared with the same period a year ago, according to new trade data.
The USDA said U.S. imports of fresh/frozen fruit for the period from May 2021 through April 2022 totaled $18.72 billion, up 17% compared with imports of $16.03 billion in the same period a year ago and 24% higher than $15.08 billion two years ago.
By commodity, U.S. imports of fresh fruit from May 2021 to April 2022, with a percent change from a year ago:
- Berries (excluding strawberries): $4.05 billion, up 19%
- Avocados: $3.32 billion, up 35%
- Bananas/plantains: $2.45 billion, up 1%
- Grapes: $2.04 billion, up 16%
- Citrus: $1.84 billion, up 25%
- Strawberries: $1.4 billion, up 8%
- Pineapples: $803 million, 12%
- Mangoes: $734.9 million, up 7%
- Melons: $676.6 million, up 10%
- Kiwifruit: $214.5 million, up 28%
- Apples: 168.65 million, up 5%
- Pears: $111.8 million, up 9%
- Peaches: $65.8 million, no change
- Plums: $41.5 million, up 2%
U.S. imports of fresh vegetables totaled $10.81 billion for the 12-month period ending in April, up 4.9% from $10.3 billion from the same period a year ago and 16.5% higher than $9.27 billion two years ago.
By commodity, U.S. imports of fresh vegetables from May 2021 to April 2022, with a percent change from a year ago:
- Tomatoes: $2.7 billion, down 2%
- Peppers: $1.91 billion, up 2%
- Cucumbers: $1.03 billion, up 13%
- Asparagus: $659.9 million, down 2%
- Onions: $549.7 million, up 13%
- Lettuce: $502.1 million, up 17%
- Cauliflower and Broccoli: $425.4 million, up 9%
- Squash: $387.2 million, down 3%
U.S. exports of fresh vegetables from May 2021 through April 2022 were running 5.5% above the same period a year ago. Exports of U.S. fresh vegetables were pegged at $2.74 billion for the year ending in April, up 5.5% from $2.59 billion a year ago and up 4.4% from two years ago.
By commodity, U.S. exports of fresh vegetables from May 2021 to April 2022, with a percent change from a year ago:
- Cauliflower: $185.2 million, up 28%
- Carrots: $105.9 million, up 1%
- Cabbage: $102.4 million, up 20%
- Celery: $79.2 million, down 5%
- Broccoli: $78.4 million, down 19%
- Asparagus: $62.4 million, down 7%
- Sweet Corn: $50.9 million, up 1%
- Cucumbers: $31.1 million, up 60%
USDA trade data showed that U.S. exports of fresh fruits totaled $4.39 billion, up 1% from $4.37 billion a year ago and about unchanged from $4.38 billion two years ago.
By commodity, U.S. exports of fresh fruit from May 2021 to April 2022, with a percent change from a year ago:
- Apples: $930.9 million, up 7%
- Berries: $843.8 million, up 18%
- Grapes: $648.4 million, down 10%
- Oranges and tangerines: $613.5 million, down 7%
- Cherries: $482.8 million, down 4%
- Melons: $161.1 million, up 9%
- Peaches: $157.4 million, up 30%
- Lemons and Limes: $148.3 million, no change
- Pears: $144.6 million, down 2%
- Grapefruit: $47.3 million, down 23%
- Plum: $45.8 million, down 5%
