U.S. fruit imports surge so far in 2021, vegetables mostly steady
U.S. imports of fresh fruits from January through May surged 13% compared with a year ago, according to new statistics from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Total fresh fruit imports from January through May during 2021 totaled $8.03 billion, up 13% from $7.08 billion the same time the previous year.
2021 fresh fruit imports by commodity, with percent change compared with 2020:
- Berries, excluding strawberries: $1.8 billion, up 25%;
- Bananas/plantains (fresh and frozen): $1.03 billion, down 2%;
- Avocados: $1.21 billion, up 4%;
- Grapes: $1.26 billion, up 9%;
- Citrus: $413 million, up 34%;
- Strawberries (fresh or frozen): $962.2 million, up 29%;
- Pineapples (fresh and frozen) : $323.3 million, up 18%;
- Mangoes: $323.3 million, up 19%;
- Melons: $432.2 million, up 5%;
- Kiwifruit: 61.2 million, up 11%;
- Apples: $44.3 million, down 5%;
- Pears: $67.7 million, up 1%;
- Peaches: $60.5 million, up 7%; and
- Plums: $41.4 million, up 11%.
Vegetable imports
Vegetable imports rose at a slower rate than fresh fruits, USDA statistics show.
2021 U.S. imports of fresh vegetables from January through May were $4.88 billion, up 4% compared with 2020.
By commodity, 2021 imports of fresh vegetables, with percent compared with 2020.
- Tomatoes: $1.22 billion, down 3%;
- Other vegetables $938.9 million, up 14%;
- Peppers: $956.9 million, up 11%;
- Cucumbers: $467.7 million, up 9%;
- Asparagus: $327.2 million, up 10%;
- Squash: $212.6 million, down 28%;
- Onions: $221.1 million, up 14%;
- Lettuce: $188.2 million, up 19%;
- Cauliflower and broccoli: $167.1 million, up 10%;
- Potatoes: $127.5 million, down 10%;
- Garlic: $100.5 million, down 2%;
- Beans: $87.6 million, up 14%;
- Carrots: $49.6 million, up 18%;
- Cabbage: $34.7 million, up 52%;
- Peas: $50 million, up 13%;
- Eggplant: $44.48 million, down 6%;
- Celery: $42.59 million, up 9%;
- Okra: $19.08 million, up 2%;
- Radishes: $16.7 million, up 26%; and
- Endive: $1.47 million, down 9%.
