COVID-19 didn’t slow U.S. imports of fresh vegetables in 2020. In fact, the pandemic may have fueled demand.
U.S. imports of fresh vegetables rose by 13% in 2020, new statistics from the U.S. Department of Agriculture reveal.
According to USDA 2020 calendar year data, the total U.S. import value of 23 major fresh vegetables was $9.7 billion, up 13% from 2019.
2020 import values of asparagus, celery, endive and carrots were down compared with 2019, but every other vegetable commodity tracked scored gains. The value of U.S. tomato imports was up 22%, with fresh potato imports up 30% in value and garlic imports up 18% in value compared with 2019:
2020 import values, with percent changed from 2019, are:
- Tomatoes; $2.8 billion, up 22%;
- Peppers: $1.79 billion, up 7%;
- Cucumbers: $909.9 million, up 10%;
- Asparagus: $650.5 million, down 6%;
- Squash: $473.1 million, up 22%;
- Onions: $464.1 million, up 3%;
- Lettuce: $407.6 million, up 11%;
- Cauliflower and Broccoli: $380.6 million, up 10%;
- Potatoes: $271.5 million, up 30%;
- Garlic: $219.3 million, up 18%;
- Beans: $177.4 million, up 17%;
- Carrots: $103.1 million, down 9%;
- Cabbage: $90.5 million, up 34%;
- Peas: $89.9 million, up 18%;
- Eggplant: 84.1 million, up 18%;
- Celery: $69.1 million, down 9%;
- Okra: $44.1 million, no change;
- Radishes: $30.7 million, up 21%; and
- Endive: $3.5 million, down 25%.
