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%.
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