Fruit imports continue to surge

Led by explosive growth in berry and avocado imports, the value of U.S. imports of fruit soared 17% for the 12-month period ending June 30, USDA trade numbers show.

Avocados
Avocados
(File image)

Led by explosive growth in berry and avocado imports, the value of U.S. imports of fruit soared 17% for the 12-month period ending June 30, USDA trade numbers show.

Total fresh and frozen fruit imports from July 2021 through June 2022 were valued at $19.14 billion, up 17% from year-ago numbers and 28% up from two years ago.

On the other hand, the value of U.S. fresh vegetable imports rose by 5% for the 12-month period ending June 30.

Here are USDA numbers for import values of key fresh commodities for July 2021 through June 2022, with percentage change in value compared with a year ago:

  • All fresh/frozen fruit: $19.13 billion, up 17%
  • Fresh vegetables: $10.92 billion, up 5%
  • Berries (excluding strawberries): $4.08 billion, up 15%
  • Avocados: $3.5 billion, up 41%
  • Tomatoes: $2.75 billion, down 1%
  • Bananas/plantains (fresh/frozen): $2.46 billion, up 1%
  • Grapes: $2.13 billion, up 17%
  • Peppers: $1.89 billion, up 1%
  • Citrus: $1.87 billion, up 28%
  • Strawberries: $1.41 billion, up 2%
  • Cucumbers: $1.04 billion, up 8%
  • Pineapples: $823 million, up 12%
  • Mangoes: $755 million, up 8%
  • Melons: $663 million, down 3%
  • Asparagus: $663 million, down 3%


The Packer logo (567x120)
Related Stories
As the government prepares to renegotiate USMCA, the California Avocado Commission has launched an advocacy campaign calling for a seasonal tariff rate quota on Mexican imports from March through September, aimed at preventing oversupply and protecting the viability of domestic growers.
Despite early-season weather hurdles, the berry industry is highly optimistic about the 2026 summer season due to stabilizing production, exceptional consumer demand and projected volume increases.
As U.S. avocado consumption climbs, the industry is increasingly leveraging imports from Peru to diversify supply chains and secure a consistent, year-round market supply during peak summer months.
Read Next
Amazon, World Central Kitchen and Goya Foods are partnering with local networks to deliver critical relief following devastating back-to-back earthquakes in Venezuela, highlighting a decentralized, “fresh-first” disaster response aimed at helping communities rebuild.
Get Daily News
GET MARKET ALERTS
Get News & Markets App