U.S. fresh produce exports score slight gains

U.S. exports of fresh fruit and vegetables squeezed out moderate gains in the 12-month period from November 2020 to October 2021, government trade data shows.

FILE PHOTO: Container ships and oil tankers wait in the ocean outside the Port of Long Beach-Port of Los Angeles complex, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, in Los Angeles, California, U.S., April 7, 2021. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson
FILE PHOTO: Container ships and oil tankers wait in the ocean outside the Port of Long Beach-Port of Los Angeles complex, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, in Los Angeles, California, U.S., April 7, 2021. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson

U.S. exports of fresh fruit and vegetables squeezed out moderate gains in the 12-month period from November 2020 to October 2021, government trade data shows.

Total fresh fruit exports during the period topped $4.51 billion, up 4% compared with the same time a year ago and up about the same amount compared with two years ago.
Fresh vegetable exports totaled $2.63 billion for the 12-month period, up 1% compared with a year ago but off 3% compared with two years ago.

By fresh commodity, U.S. exports for the period from November 2020 to October 2021, with percent compared with the previous 12-month period:

  • Apples: $933.5 million, 7%;
  • Berries: $806.6 million, up 12%;
  • Oranges and tangerines: $697.7 million, up 8%;
  • Grapes: $684.5 million, down 4%;
  • Lettuce: $522.9 million, up 1%;
  • Cherries: $477.8 million, down 5%;
  • Potatoes: $266.4 million, up 10%;
  • Onions: $209.5 million, no change;
  • Melons: $159.8 million, up 7%;
  • Peaches: $157.5 million, up 30%;
  • Pears: $151.6 million, up 12%;
  • Cauliflower: $148 million, no change;
  • Lemons: $145.8 million, down 1%;
  • Tomatoes: $111.2 million, down 7%;
  • Carrots: $105.6 million, down 4%;
  • Broccoli: $99.9 million, up 3%;
  • Cabbage: $96.8 million, up 23%;
  • Celery: $79.8 million, down 5%;
  • Peppers: $75.1 million, down 10%; and
  • Asparagus: $70.1 million, up 19%.
The Packer logo (567x120)
Related Stories
Severe drought and unseasonable spring heat in North Carolina are causing significant yield losses for specialty crops like brassicas and berries while simultaneously increasing pest pressures for regional organic growers.
The strategic transition marks a significant step forward in Thx!’s mission to prove that doing good is good business, while unlocking new opportunities for brands, retailers and consumers to create meaningful impact.
As Mexico evolves from a high-volume supplier to a strategic powerhouse, exporting $18 billion in fresh fruits and vegetables globally, IFPA’s Jessica Keller reveals why the country matters to the produce industry now more than ever.
Read Next
Last week’s Canadian Produce Marketing Association Convention and Trade Show proved once and for all that produce has moved from commodities to lifestyle brands consumers will clamor for.
Get Daily News
GET MARKET ALERTS
Get News & Markets App