U.S. imports of Mexican produce show big growth in 2021

U.S. 2021 import values for fresh produce commodities from Mexico exceeded double-digit gains for a long list of fruits and vegetables compared with 2020 data, according to USDA trade statistics.

The top U.S. import of fresh produce commodity from Mexico in 2021 was avocados, with trade valued at $2.78 billion, up 25% from 2021 and up 57% from 2016.

The second leading Mexican produce item imported by the U.S. in 2021 was fresh tomatoes, valued at $2.38 billion, unchanged from 2020 but up 22% from 2016.

U.S. imports of Mexican berries (excluding strawberries) totaled $2.17 billion in 2021, up 17% from 2020 and 123% higher than 2016.

U.S. imports of Mexican fresh peppers totaled $1.51 billion in 2021, up 16% from 2020 and up 41% from 2016.

The full list of 2021 U.S. imports of Mexican fresh produce, compared with 2020 and 2016 were:

• Avocados: $2.78 billion, up 25% from 2020 and up 57% from 2016;
• Tomatoes: $2.38 billion, no change from 2020 and up 22% from 2016;
• Berries (excluding strawberries): $2.17 billion, up 17% from 2020 and up 123% from 2016;
• Bell peppers: $1.51 billion, up 16% from 2020 and up 41% from 2016;
• Strawberries (fresh or frozen): $1.26 billion, up 27% from 2020 and up 84% from 2016;
• Citrus: $686 million, up 32% from 2020 and up 58% from 2016;
• Cucumbers: $640.3 million, up 7% from2020 and up 33% from 2016;
• Grapes: $568.5 million, up 10% from 2020 and up 43% from 2016;
• Mangoes: $424 million, up 12% from 2020 and up 30% from 2016;
• Lettuce: $410 million, up 14% from 2020 and up 88% from 2016;
• Asparagus: $407.2 million, up 6% from 2020 and up 16% from 2016;
• Onions: $382.7 million, up 11% from 2020 and up 12% from 2016;
• Melons: $366.8 million, up 8% from 2020 and up 5% from 2016;
• Squash: $351.3 million, down 23% from 2020 and up 1% from 2016;
• Cauliflower and broccoli: $349.5 million, no change from 2020 and up 51% from 2016;
• Bananas/plantain (frozen/fresh): $214.2 million, up 3% from 2020 and up 65% in 2016;
• Beans: $99.45 million, up 4% from 2020 and up 46% from 2016;
• Celery: $71.9 million, up 8% from 2020 and up 178% from 2016;
• Eggplant: $62.2 million, down 7% from 2020 and up 17% from 2016;
• Cabbage: $59.8 million, up 9% from 2020 and up 174% from 2016;
• Carrots: $51.4 million, up 25% from 2020 and up 28 from 2016;
• Pineapples: $41.5 million, up 16% from 2020 and up 18% from 2016;
• Fresh peas: $35.9 million, up 3% from 2020 and up 5% from 2016;
• Garlic: $30.8 million, up 28% from 2020 and up from 102% from 2016;
• Radishes: $24.7 million, up 13% from 2020 and up 36% from 2016; and
• Okra: $12.9 million, up 2% from 2020 and up 49% from 2016.