U.S. fresh fruit exports rose by nearly 10% in May compared with a year ago, offsetting an equal decline in fresh vegetable exports.
Statistics from the U.S. Department of Agriculture show that U.S. fresh fruit exports in May totaled $367 million, up 9.9% compared with the same month a year ago.
A big increase in the value of cherry and berry exports accounted for much of the increase, partially offset by a decline in the value of apple exports.
U.S. fresh vegetable exports in May were $241 million, down 9.3% compared with year-ago levels. A decline in the value of lettuce and potato exports accounted for some of the reduction.
U.S. fresh exports in May, compared with May 2019, were:
- Berries: $93 million, up 14.4%;
- Cherries: $89 million, up 57.8%;
- Citrus: $73 million, down 3.1%;
- Potatoes: $16.8 million, down 28.4%;
- Cauliflower: $16 million, down 10.9%; and
- Melons: $14 million, up 30.9%.
