Texas imports of Mexican tomatoes, onions, citrus and cucumbers surge in 2021

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When Mexican fruit and vegetable shipments to the U.S. are ranked by the state of entry, Census Bureau data shows that Texas experienced double-digit value gains in 2021 imports of tomatoes, onions, lettuce, carrots, cucumbers, bananas, citrus and melons.

On the other hand, decreases in the imported value of Mexican produce shipped to Texas were noted for grapes (-52%). The value of Mexican avocados imported through Texas was up only slightly (2%) in 2021.

Shipments of Mexican tomatoes into Texas were $973 million in 2021, up 10% from 2020. In contrast, Mexican tomato shipments to Arizona were $616.9 million in 2021, down 5% from 2020. California’s imports of Mexican tomatoes were $359.7 million in 2021, up 1% from 2020.

Here are 2021 import numbers on select Mexican produce commodities, by state receiving the imports:

Tomatoes, fresh or chilled

  • Arizona: $616.9 million, down 5%;
  • California: $359.8 million, up 1%;
  • Texas: $973.9 million, up 10%.

Onions, shallots, garlic, leeks

  • Arizona: $67.6 million, up 19%;
  • California: $254.3 million, up 2%;
  • Texas: $56.6 million, up 37%.

Cabbage, cauliflower, kale

  • Arizona: $17.7 million, down 41%;
  • California: $216.8 million, up 19%;
  • Texas: $233.3 million, up 2%.


Lettuce and chicory

  • Arizona: $7.48 million, down 25%;
  • California: $179.5 million, up 23%;
  • Texas: $202.7 million, up 11%.

Carrots, tubers and edible roots

  • Arizona: $5.1 million, up 2%;
  • California: $40.2 million, up 22%;
  • Texas: $31.4 million, up 20%.

Cucumbers and gherkins

  • Arizona: $308.8 million, up 3%;
  • California: $101.7 million, up 8%;
  • Texas: $130 million, up 20%.

Bananas and plantains

  • Arizona: $10.7 million, down 19%;
  • California: $33.01 million, up 2%;
  • Texas: $46.4 million, up 20%.

Dates, figs, pineapples, avocados

  • Arizona: $130.6 million, up 61%;
  • California: $1.6 billion, up 38%;
  • Texas: $891.9 million, up 2%.

Citrus, fresh or dried

  • Arizona: $31.7 million, down 4%;
  • California: $116.3 million, up 25%;
  • Texas: $447.3 million, up 32%.

Grapes, fresh or dried

  • Arizona: $345 million, down 15%;
  • California: $197.4 million, up 7%;
  • Texas: $811,215, down 52%.

Melons and papayas

  • Arizona: $244.9 million, up 12%;
  • California: $104.6 million, up 2%;
  • Texas: $77.1 million, up 22%.
 

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