The value of U.S. apple exports fell 11% in 2020, but government trade statistics show that orange exports increased in value by 8%.
Most fresh fruit and vegetable commodities suffered export declines in the pandemic-tinged year of 2020, with pear exports down 19%, grapes off 2% and onion export value dipping by 14%. Berries (3%), cherries (2%) and melons (8%) showed increases in export value, according to the USDA.
The USDA said 2020 U.S. fresh fruit exports tallied $4.29 billion, down 1% from 2019. U.S. fresh vegetable exports were $2.58 billion, down 4% compared with the previous year.
2020 U.S. nut exports were $8.9 billion, down 7% compared with 2019.
According to USDA, the values of U.S. exports of fresh produce and nuts, with the percentage change from 2019, were:
U.S. Export percentage change from 2019 |
| Almonds: $4.6 billion, -5% |
| Pistachios: $1.67 billion, -17% |
| Walnuts: $1.25 billion, no change |
| Apples: $849.2 million, -11% |
| Berries: $717.5 million, 3% |
| Grapes: $714.9 million, -2% |
| Lettuce: $520 million, no change |
| Peanuts: $481.4 million, -11% |
| Pecans: $432.4 million, -8% |
| Potatoes: $242.9 million, -5% |
| Onions: $204.2 million, -14% |
| Cauliflower: $147.4 million, -4% |
| Melons: $146.9 million, 8% |
| Lemons and limes: $146.2 million, -9% |
| Pears: $133.3 million, -19% |
| Peaches: $120.8 million, -6% |
| Tomatoes: $115.9 million, 4% |
| Carrots: $107.4 million, -1% |
| Filberts: $97.2 million, 8% |
| Broccoli: $96.2 million; 1% |
| Peppers: $83 million, 3% |
| Celery: $81.2 million, -30% |
| Cabbage: $78.4 million, -8% |
| Grapefruit: $69.4 million, -1% |
| Asparagus: $57.2 million, -29% |
*Source: USDA |
