Vegetable gains lead May imports
U.S. imports of fresh fruits in May were down 10.4% compared with a year ago, while fresh vegetable imports jumped 17%, according to newly released statistics.
Statistics from the U.S. Department of Agriculture showed fresh and frozen fruit imports were $1.24 billion in May, down 10.4% the same month a year ago.
Declines in the value of avocado, melon and grape imports contributed to the decline.
By way of contrast, U.S. fresh vegetable imports were $828 million in May, up 16.7% a year ago. Increases in the value of tomatoes and peppers fueled fresh vegetable import gains compared with a year ago.
By commodity, the USDA reported May U.S. import values, compared with May 2019:
- Tomatoes: $249 million, up 52%;
- Berries (excluding strawberries): $219 million, up 6.4%;
- Avocados: $204 million, down 24.6%;
- Bananas/plantains: $204 million, down 3.6%;
- Peppers: $172 million, up 10.3%;
- Grapes: $137 million, down 21.8%;
- Melons: $99 million, down 31%;
- Citrus: $82 million, up 7.8%;
- Cucumbers: $71 million, up 0.8%;
- Pineapples: $65 million, down 3%;
- Mangoes: $62 million, down 6.2%;
- Squash: $43 million, down 31.6%; and
- Onions: $40 million, down 12.5%.
