Trade numbers show stable exports, moderate import growth

New trade numbers through October indicate little change in U.S. fresh produce export shipments compared with a year ago, while U.S. imports of fresh fruits and vegetables are up moderately in the last 12 months.

The USDA reported total exports of fresh produce from November 2022 through October 2023 totaled $6.9 billion, up 1% compared with a year ago but down 4% from 2018.

U.S. vegetable exports were rated at $2.8 billion for the period, down 1% for the period but up 9% from 2018; fresh fruit exports totaled $4.2 billion, up 2% compared with a year ago but down 11% compared with 2018.

U.S. imports of fresh produce totaled $32 billion from November 2022 through October 2023, up 5% from a year ago and 43% higher than 2018.

U.S. fresh fruit imports were pegged at $19.5 billion, up 1% from the previous year and up 40% from 2018; imports of fresh vegetables were valued at $12.5 billion, up 12% from a year a ago and 50% higher than 2018.

Top U.S. exports for November 2022 through October 2023, compared with 2022 and 2018.

• Apples — $869.1 million, down 1% from 2018 and down 18% from 2018.
• Berries — $798.8 million, down 3% from 2022 but 12% above 2018.
• Grapes — $622.6 million, down 4% from 2022 but down 18% from 2018.
• Oranges — $593.2, up 8% from 2022 but down 16% from 2018.
• Lettuce — $592.1 million, up 1% from a year ago and up 23% from 2018.

Top U.S. imports for November 2022 through October 2023, compared with 2022 and 2018.

• Berries (excluding strawberries) — $4.2. billion, down 1% from 2022 but up 74% from 2018.
• Tomatoes — $3.2 billion, up 15% from 2022 and up 34% from 2018.
• Avocados — $2.88 billion, down 17% from 2022 but up 20% from 2018.
• Bananas — $2.75 billion, up 10% from 2022 and 12% higher than 2018.
• Grapes — $2.3 billion, up 7% from 2022 and up 46% from 2018.