Fruit imports in the US have increased considerably. Leading the charge is the berry import.
Trade statistics show that berry imports are large and growing.
Fresh and frozen fruit imports into the United States rose 11% between September 2020 and August 2021, according to newly released trade data.
The value of U.S. fresh and frozen fruit imports for the 12-month period was $16.7 billion, compared with $14.95 billion last year and $14.6 billion two years ago, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture trade numbers.
(excluding strawberries) Imports of berries rose 23 percent, with fresh and frozen strawberries up 34 percent, kiwifruit 18 percent, pineapples and citrus up 15 percent, mangoes 10 percent, and grapes 8 percent.
From September 2020 to August 2021, the USDA reported an increase of 7% in U.S. imports of fresh vegetables. With a value of $10.47 billion for the period, U.S. fresh vegetable imports were higher than a year ago at $9.78 billion and two years ago at $8.84 billion.
Fresh vegetable imports of cabbage jumped 38 percent, radishes 29 percent, lettuce 23 percent, peas 19 percent, beans 15 percent, cauliflower 13 percent, onions 10%, peppers 10%, and cucumbers (9 percent).
