USDA reports dip in fruit exports for 2022

2022 was not an especially good year for U.S. fresh produce exports.

U.S. exports of fresh fruits in the calendar year 2022 were down 8% in value and down 13% in volume, according to new numbers from the USDA. Exports of fresh vegetables showed a 4% gain in value but a 10% drop in volume, the USDA said.

U.S. fresh fruit exports were rated at $4.1 billion in 2022, down 8% compared with 2021 and down 5% compared with 2020. Fresh fruit export volume was rated at 2.1 million metric tons, down 13% from 2021 and 17% lower than 2020.

U.S. fresh vegetable exports were valued at $2.8 billion in 2022, up 4% from 2021 and up 9% from 2020. By volume, fresh vegetable exports tallied 2.2 million metric tons, down 10% from 2021 and 3% lower than 2020.

Total U.S. fresh produce exports were rated at $6.89 billion in 2022, down 4% in value compared with 2021 and unchanged from 2020. Total U.S. fresh produce exports by volume were 4.37 million metric tons, down 12% from 2021 and off 11% from 2020.

By value, here are 2022 export numbers for selected U.S. fresh produce commodities, with the percent change from 2021, according to the USDA:

• Apples: $877.8 million, down 3%.
• Berries: $804.4 million, down 1%.
• Citrus: $787.5 million, down 13%.
• Grapes: $637.1 million, down 2%.
• Lettuce: $617.5 million, up 16%.
• Oranges/tangerines: $574.1 million, down 17%.
• Cherries: $339.5 million, down 29%.
• Potatoes: $303.2 million, up 10%.
• Onions: $256.4 million, up 18%.
• Cauliflower: $217.6, up 40%.
• Tomatoes: $127.4, up 10%.
• Carrots: $108.3 million, up 1%.
• Cabbage: $99.7 million, down 1%.
• Celery: $86.2 million, up 7%.
• Peppers: $86.1 million, up 11%.
• Asparagus: $60.1 million, off 16%.