Fresh produce availability in the USA is a critical aspect of the agricultural industry, with imports playing an increasingly important role in ensuring year-round access to fruits and vegetables. This trend has been particularly evident since the implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in 2008, which eliminated tariffs and quotas on trade between Mexico, Canada, and the U.S.
According to a recent report by the USDA, the share of fresh fruit availability in the U.S. supplied by imports has increased from 50% to 59% between 2007 and 2023. Similarly, the share of fresh vegetables supplied by imports has grown from 20% to 35% during the same period, excluding potatoes, sweet potatoes, and mushrooms. Key crops like asparagus, avocados, bell peppers, blueberries, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumbers, raspberries, snap beans, and tomatoes have seen a significant increase in import share by more than 20 percentage points.
Despite fluctuations in certain imports, Mexico and Canada continue to be the dominant suppliers of fresh produce to the U.S. In 2023, Mexico accounted for 51% of fresh fruit imports and 69% of fresh vegetable imports by value, while Canada supplied 2% of fruit imports and 20% of vegetable imports in the same year. This underscores the importance of strong trade agreements in meeting consumer demand for high-quality produce year-round.
The interconnectedness of North American agricultural trade is evident in the steady increase in imports, highlighting the need for a robust supply chain to meet consumer demand. The availability of fresh produce is crucial for maintaining a healthy and balanced diet, and imports play a key role in ensuring a diverse selection of fruits and vegetables are accessible to consumers throughout the year.
The chart below, sourced from USDA Market News via Agronometrics, illustrates the volumes of various commodities imported into the U.S. It provides valuable insights into the trends and fluctuations in import volumes over time, helping stakeholders in the industry make informed decisions based on market data.
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Source: USDA Market News via Agronometrics. (Agronometrics users can view this chart with live updates here)
In conclusion, the availability of fresh produce in the U.S. is heavily reliant on imports, particularly from Mexico and Canada. The growth in import shares for fruits and vegetables underscores the importance of trade agreements in meeting consumer demand for a diverse and high-quality selection of produce. By monitoring market trends and volumes through data visualization tools like the Agronometrics platform, stakeholders can make informed decisions to ensure a steady and reliable supply of fresh produce to meet the needs of consumers nationwide. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on the latest trends and developments in the fresh produce industry.
