U.S. imports of strawberries have trended sharply higher in the past five years, trade data show.
U.S. Department of Agriculture trade numbers reveal that imports of fresh/frozen strawberries have climbed from $449 million in 2013 to $762 million in 2018.
That’s an increase of about 70% over those five years, according to the USDA. Trade numbers from 2018 reveal peak strawberry imports were recorded in February, followed in rank by March, January, and December.
In 2018, Mexico accounted for 93% of total U.S. strawberry imports, followed by Chile with 3% and 1% from Canada. That was similar to 2013 when Mexico represented 95% of U.S. strawberry imports.
Meanwhile, USDA trade numbers show U.S. fresh strawberry exports inn 2018 totaled $379 million, up 1% from 2017 and down slightly from $384 million in 2013.
