Fruit imports are sizzling, USDA trade data shows

The value of U.S. imports of fruit lurched ahead by 17% in the year ending April compared with the same period a year ago, according to new trade data.

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

The value of U.S. imports of fruit lurched ahead by 17% in the year ending April compared with the same period a year ago, according to new trade data.

The USDA said U.S. imports of fresh/frozen fruit for the period from May 2021 through April 2022 totaled $18.72 billion, up 17% compared with imports of $16.03 billion in the same period a year ago and 24% higher than $15.08 billion two years ago.

By commodity, U.S. imports of fresh fruit from May 2021 to April 2022, with a percent change from a year ago:

  • Berries (excluding strawberries): $4.05 billion, up 19%
  • Avocados: $3.32 billion, up 35%
  • Bananas/plantains: $2.45 billion, up 1%
  • Grapes: $2.04 billion, up 16%
  • Citrus: $1.84 billion, up 25%
  • Strawberries: $1.4 billion, up 8%
  • Pineapples: $803 million, 12%
  • Mangoes: $734.9 million, up 7%
  • Melons: $676.6 million, up 10%
  • Kiwifruit: $214.5 million, up 28%
  • Apples: 168.65 million, up 5%
  • Pears: $111.8 million, up 9%
  • Peaches: $65.8 million, no change
  • Plums: $41.5 million, up 2%

U.S. imports of fresh vegetables totaled $10.81 billion for the 12-month period ending in April, up 4.9% from $10.3 billion from the same period a year ago and 16.5% higher than $9.27 billion two years ago.

By commodity, U.S. imports of fresh vegetables from May 2021 to April 2022, with a percent change from a year ago:

  • Tomatoes: $2.7 billion, down 2%
  • Peppers: $1.91 billion, up 2%
  • Cucumbers: $1.03 billion, up 13%
  • Asparagus: $659.9 million, down 2%
  • Onions: $549.7 million, up 13%
  • Lettuce: $502.1 million, up 17%
  • Cauliflower and Broccoli: $425.4 million, up 9%
  • Squash: $387.2 million, down 3%

U.S. exports of fresh vegetables from May 2021 through April 2022 were running 5.5% above the same period a year ago. Exports of U.S. fresh vegetables were pegged at $2.74 billion for the year ending in April, up 5.5% from $2.59 billion a year ago and up 4.4% from two years ago.

By commodity, U.S. exports of fresh vegetables from May 2021 to April 2022, with a percent change from a year ago:

  • Cauliflower: $185.2 million, up 28%
  • Carrots: $105.9 million, up 1%
  • Cabbage: $102.4 million, up 20%
  • Celery: $79.2 million, down 5%
  • Broccoli: $78.4 million, down 19%
  • Asparagus: $62.4 million, down 7%
  • Sweet Corn: $50.9 million, up 1%
  • Cucumbers: $31.1 million, up 60%

USDA trade data showed that U.S. exports of fresh fruits totaled $4.39 billion, up 1% from $4.37 billion a year ago and about unchanged from $4.38 billion two years ago.

By commodity, U.S. exports of fresh fruit from May 2021 to April 2022, with a percent change from a year ago:

  • Apples: $930.9 million, up 7%
  • Berries: $843.8 million, up 18%
  • Grapes: $648.4 million, down 10%
  • Oranges and tangerines: $613.5 million, down 7%
  • Cherries: $482.8 million, down 4%
  • Melons: $161.1 million, up 9%
  • Peaches: $157.4 million, up 30%
  • Lemons and Limes: $148.3 million, no change
  • Pears: $144.6 million, down 2%
  • Grapefruit: $47.3 million, down 23%
  • Plum: $45.8 million, down 5%
The Packer logo (567x120)
Related Stories
The boutique berry company has introduced a vibrant identity and innovative approach to premium organic and conventional blueberries.
Berries bring several qualities to motivate shoppers to buy, but retailers can enhance purchase possibilities with these tips and techniques.
Companies readying supplies blueberries, blackberries and raspberries as shoppers continue to crave berries.
Read Next
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the enrollment period and payment rates for the new Assistance for Specialty Crops Farmers program to support producers facing elevated costs and unfair foreign trade competition.
Get Daily News
GET MARKET ALERTS
Get News & Markets App