U.S. import value of asparagus increases slightly
The value of U.S. asparagus imports rose slightly for the year ending March 2022, trade numbers from the USDA show.
For the 12-month period from April 2021 through March 2022, U.S. imports of asparagus totaled $654.7 million, fractionally higher than $654.1 million imported a year earlier.
By value, the USDA said the top sources of imported asparagus in the U.S. from April 2021 through March 2022, compared with a year earlier, were:
- Mexico: $381.6 million, 2% down from $389.5 million
- Peru: $263.7 million, up 2% from $257.7 million
- Canada: $8.3 million, up 48% from $5.6 million
Members of the Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association said in a news release that Peru will continue to be a key asparagus supplier for U.S. customers.
In 2021, Peru accounted for about 40% of the value of all U.S. asparagus imports, second only to Mexico’s 59% share of imports.
“As a significant source of fresh asparagus, Peruvian supply contributes to keeping U.S. retail and foodservice stocked with a consistent, quality supply of this fantastic product,” Walter Yager, CEO of Alpine Fresh in Doral, Fla., and co-chair of PAIA, said in the release. “Our upcoming supplies look excellent and should allow for great promotional and sales opportunities.” Peruvian exporters ship asparagus to the U.S. year-round, with abundant supplies from July through January.
Yager and co-chair Jay Rodriguez, owner of Crystal Valley Foods in Miami, Fla, will continue leading the importers’ association during 2022 and 2023, the release said.
“Peru is a significant contributor to the U.S. consumer’s table and we want to ensure an uninterrupted supply of this nutritious item,” Rodriguez said in the release. “For over 20 years, our association has been dedicated to improving trade in Peruvian asparagus. It’s such an important vegetable for our customers, both retail and foodservice, and for consumers, as well.”
