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.
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%
