U.S. fresh produce trade shows mixed trends

U.S. fresh produce imports showed big value increases for berries, avocados, grapes and citrus for the 12-month period from September 2021 through August 2022.

Trade-Tightrope.jpg
Trade-Tightrope.jpg
(File image)

U.S. fresh produce imports showed big value increases for berries, avocados, grapes and citrus for the 12-month period from September 2021 through August 2022.

Here is the USDA-reported value of U.S. produce imports for that period, by commodity, with a percent change from the previous year:

  • Berries, excluding strawberries: $4.18 billion, up 16%
  • Avocados: $3.57 billion, up 38%
  • Tomatoes: $2.77 billion, no change
  • Bananas: $2.48 billion, up 1%
  • Grapes: $2.16 billion, up 19%
  • Peppers: $1.9 billion, no change
  • Citrus: $1.88 billion, up 26%
  • Strawberries: $1.4 billion, no change
  • Cucumbers: $1.05 billion, up 9%
  • Pineapples: $831.2 million, up 10%
  • Mangoes: $765.6 million, up 10%
  • Melons: $692.6 million, up 11%
  • Asparagus: $651.1 million, down 4%
  • Onions: $574,649, up 15%
  • Lettuce: $523.8 million, up 14%

Meanwhile, U.S. fresh fruit and vegetable exports were mostly lower for the 12-month period from September 2021 through August 2022, newly released trade statistics show.

U.S. export values of apples, grapes, cherries and oranges were down, while berries, lettuce and potatoes were up for the 12-month period.

By commodity, the value of U.S. exports for the 12-month period ending Aug. 30, with the percentage change from a year ago:

  • Apples: $901.5 million, down 2%
  • Berries: $846.9 million, up 9%
  • Grapes: $652.5 million, down 8%
  • Lettuce: $573.4 million, up 11%
  • Oranges and tangerines: $565.5 million, down 18%
  • Cherries: $339.7 million, down 29%
  • Potatoes: $281.4 million, up 7%
  • Onions: $265.3 million, up 25%
  • Cauliflower: $203.8 million, up 43%
  • Peaches: $166.8 million, up 23%
  • Melons: $158.6 million, no change
  • Lemons/limes: $155.6 million, up 5%
  • Pears: $149.4 million, up 1%
  • Tomatoes: $125.2 million, up 17%

The Packer logo (567x120)
Related Stories
Former US Trade Representative Bob Lighthizer says Mexico, not Canada, will be the biggest test in USMCA talks, citing trade deficits. That’s as agriculture leaders push to protect billions in North American trade.
American farms defend the new federal import penalties while Canadian exporters warn of rising grocery prices and stalled industry growth.
North American trade expert details how a cycle of rhetorical escalation and maximalist threats will likely push final U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement negotiations into next year.
Read Next
Crisis communication strategist Amy Philpott outlines why outdated response playbooks fail and how targeted messaging restores credibility.
Get Daily News
GET MARKET ALERTS
Get News & Markets App