Imports of fresh fruits and vegetables in the United States continue to grow

Imports of fresh fruits and vegetables into the United States have continued to increase over the past year. In total, 22.1 million tonnes were imported. This is 3% more than in 2021. Imports also grew steadily in the preceding years. Although the United States is far from places in Europe, import prices for fresh fruits and vegetables have risen sharply, 8%. As a result, imports were worth more than $28 billion last year. This makes the US the most important importer globally. Germany is second with half the value of the US.

Exports of fresh fruits and vegetables from the United States are steadily declining. More than 10% to 3.9 million tonnes by 2022. More than half go to Canada and Mexico is also big
Customer. Exports to the Netherlands fell sharply in 2022, down 10% to 86,000 tonnes. Mostly, these are sweet potatoes.

More than half from Mexico
More than half of US imports come from Mexico. Last year, it was 11.4 million tonnes. This is 2% more than in 2021. Imports have grown in previous years
The Mexican product is slightly faster than average.

Overall, bananas are the most important import, but tomatoes, peppers, avocados, cucumbers, lemons, and watermelons are the most important imports from Mexico. By 2022, most tomatoes will be imported from Mexico. 1.8 million tonnes, which is a record volume. A sharp drop (-13%) in imports of Mexican avocados is notable. In addition to tomatoes, Mexican cucumbers were also imported into the states in record amounts in 2022.

Banana is the main product
After Mexico, Guatemala is the second largest supplier of fresh fruits and vegetables to the United States, but by far. By 2022, it will be 2.75 million tonnes. That’s a record amount. Almost three quarters are bananas.

Costa Rica is in third place with imports of 1.83 million tons in 2022. Imports from that country are declining very slowly. Pineapples account for approximately 60% and bananas are the other major product. Canada is the 4th supplier. 1.13 million tonnes last year, a record high. Cucumbers, tomatoes and peppers are the most important products imported from Canada.

Strong growth in imports from Peru
Runner-up Peru is in 5th place. Last year, it crossed the one million tonne mark for the first time. In 2017, it was still at 0.57 million tonne. Imports of grapes from Peru in particular have increased rapidly from less than 100,000 tonnes in 2017 to 250,000 tonnes last year. Onions, blueberries, avocados, and satsumas are other major imports from Peru.

Then follow the banana countries of Ecuador and Honduras and Chile. Last year, imports from the country fell 8% to 760,000 tonnes. In 2018 it was already over 900,000 tonnes. Imports of Chilean grapes grew sharply in 2022, up 17% to more than 300,000 tons. This was offset by sharp declines in imports of Chilean oranges, mandarins and apples. While imports of blueberries from Peru have been increasing, imports from Chile have decreased in recent years.

Among smaller countries, growth from China and Morocco is significant
Among other suppliers, it is worth noting that imports from China and Morocco are growing strongly. 200,000 tonnes from China and 125,000 tonnes from Morocco. China offers
Especially ginger, sweet potato and garlic. Morocco mainly produces mandarins and oranges.

Imports of fresh fruit and vegetables from the Netherlands will drop to 13,000 tonnes in 2022. In 2017, it was still around 34,000 tonnes. From 2021 onwards, onion will be the most important product. Previously, it was pepper, but Dutch pepper imports will increase again in 2022. About 1,000 tons are imported from Belgium each year, mainly chicory.

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For more information:
John Keyes Boone
Fruit and vegetable facts
www.fruitandvegetablefacts.com
[email protected]