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%.
