U.S. fresh fruit and vegetable imports by volume did not see any major shifts in the first half of this year. Total imports still grew slightly to 12.2 million tons.
What is notable, however, is that the value of U.S. fresh fruit and vegetable imports fell by a few percent to €17.7 billion in the first half of the year. In all previous years, the value of imports had increased, reaching $33 billion in calendar year 2024.
The fact that the value did not fall further is mainly due to the large increase in the value of U.S. imports of avocados, grapes, and mangoes. For almost all other major products, the value fell, in some cases sharply, such as tomatoes (-17%), peppers (-10%), and cucumbers (-10%).
By supplier, the sharp drop in the value of imports from Mexico is particularly striking. That figure fell from $11.4 billion to $10.4 billion in the first half of this year.
Less exported
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U.S. exports (excluding re-exports) of fresh fruit and vegetables declined somewhat in the first half of the year. In volume terms, the decrease was 3%, while in value terms, expressed in dollars, it was as much as 8%. The value of exports to the main customers, Mexico and Canada, fell considerably. Modest exports to the Netherlands also declined sharply. These were almost exclusively sweet potatoes.
Reliability of figures not guaranteed
In the first half of the year, it seems that all the commotion around the introduction or possible imposition of duties has had limited consequences so far. It remains to be seen how things will develop. For now, we assume that the figures published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture are correct, but that is far from certain in the future.
© Fruit and Vegetable Facts
Half of imports from Mexico
More than half of all fresh fruit and vegetables imported came from Mexico in the first half of the year. Because Mexico supplies a comparatively "expensive" range, its share by value was almost 60%. Tomatoes, peppers, and avocados are the main products the United States imports from Mexico. In the first half of the year, the average price of imports from Mexico was 7% lower than in the same period last year.
Following Mexico are Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Ecuador; all three supply a relatively "cheap" range. Canada follows as the northern neighbor, with imports that are comparatively "expensive." The average price of imports from Canada in the first half of the year was also 6% lower than last year.
Bananas are the main product that the United States imports. This is followed by tomatoes, pineapples, peppers, avocados, and cucumbers.
Most exports to Canada
In U.S. exports excluding re-exports, apples are the most important product, followed at some distance by onions, oranges, lettuce, sweet potatoes, and grapes. Canada is the main buyer, followed at some distance by Mexico.
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For more information:
Jan Kees Boon
Fruit and Vegetable Facts
[email protected]
www.fruitandvegetablefacts.com
